The mutual trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and China has seen substantial growth, reaching $19.8bn by the end of 2023—a 30% increase from the previous year, the Cabinet of Ministers reported.
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Zhaparov, met with Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Liu Guozhong, to discuss and enhance the bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Zhaparov highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Kyrgyzstan and China, noting the significant role China plays as a key trade and investment partner.
Zhaparov stressed the importance of the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints in facilitating trade, proposing their operation on a daily and round-the-clock basis to boost trade efficiency.
"We aim to increase capacity to 1,000 vehicles per day, which will benefit both sides by allowing more goods to flow between our countries," he said.
In addition, Japarov conveyed gratitude for the nearing completion of the "Kyrgyz-Chinese Friendship Bridge" and discussed other projects such as the construction of a conveyor belt with a coal logistics base at the Irkeshtam checkpoint. He requested assistance from the Chinese side in accelerating the construction of a supervisory warehouse in the Ulugchat customs zone, aimed at enhancing the storage and export of Kyrgyz agricultural products to China.
Liu Guozhong, expressing appreciation for the warm reception, affirmed China's commitment to strengthening Kyrgyz-Chinese relations. He emphasized the strategic importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project and called for expedited efforts to commence construction. Liu also highlighted the potential for increased trade turnover and the expansion of tourism cooperation, noting plans to open the Bedel checkpoint this year.
"The large-scale Chinese market is open to the export of Kyrgyz agricultural products," Liu stated, reaffirming China's willingness to support Kyrgyzstan in diversifying its export portfolio.
Earlier, Liu Guozhong also met with leaders from other Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In Uzbekistan, Vice Premier Liu participated in high-level discussions and co-chaired the Seventh Meeting of the China-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
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