Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to boost their trade volumes significantly, setting their sights on $3 billion in annual trade by the year 2030.
The agreement came after a meeting between top officials from both sides during the Astana International Forum.
Daniyar Amangeldiyev, who serves as the First Deputy Chairman in Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet, met with Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy.
Both leaders emphasized that this new goal follows clear directions set by the presidents of their respective countries, aiming to deepen ties and open new economic doors.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are looking to take their trade partnership to the next level. At the moment, their annual trade volume is around $1.7 billion, but with a renewed push from both governments, there’s a clear goal in sight; to grow that number substantially in the years ahead.
Kazakhstan has already set the stage for an increase in exports to Kyrgyzstan by $260 million. The extension will focus on key sectors, including food items, petrochemical products, and metals.
Read More: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Warn Citizens Against Ukraine Risks
Even now signals flow that things are heading towards the right direction. Trade in the first quarter of 2025 closed for the two countries at a whopping $435.1 million on, representing better than 25 percent improvement over the same period last year.
Agriculture, in particular, seems to be gaining serious momentum. Right now, it accounts for close to 20% of the total trade, and the numbers keep climbing.
Read More: Kazakhstan Donates 5 Locomotives to Kyrgyzstan
Between January and March, the trade volume in farm goods alone shot up by around 40%, suggesting growing demand on both sides.
To make agricultural trade smoother, Kazakhstan has agreed to a proposal from Kyrgyz authorities to set up a “green-light” lane at the border. This step will allow fresh produce like early-season fruits and vegetables to pass through quickly, without delays.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
