Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday urged Kyrgyz businessmen to identify opportunities for enhancing trade and joint investment across multiple sectors of the Pakistani economy.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum, he welcomed a high-level Kyrgyz delegation led by President Sadyr Nurgojo uulu Japarov, marking the first such visit in 20 years. “We hope this gap will be bridged through regular exchanges in the future,” the PM said, noting productive discussions on economic cooperation, culture, diplomacy, and shared goals for peace and progress.
Highlighting regional connectivity, he said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would soon be linked through a railroad project via China and Uzbekistan, complemented by road connectivity initiatives by the National Logistics Cell. He emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location, offering Kyrgyzstan quick access to ports in Karachi, Gwadar, and Port Qasim.
The PM encouraged Kyrgyz businessmen to hold fruitful sessions with Pakistani counterparts and explore joint ventures in education, healthcare, industry, agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, mining, and tourism. He noted that 8,500 Pakistani students are studying in Kyrgyz medical universities, and both countries agreed to establish a mechanism for certifying doctors for work in each country.
Read More: Pakistan Offers Kyrgyzstan Port Access to Global Markets
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also signed an MOU to increase bilateral trade from the current $5 million to $200 million within two years, a significant boost in economic ties. Cultural collaboration was also highlighted, with plans to hold Sufi-themed cultural events in both nations.
The PM reiterated Pakistan’s support for the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, praising Kyrgyzstan’s completion of its segment. He also urged Kyrgyz businessmen to engage with Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to explore opportunities across diverse sectors.
“Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources and a youthful population,” he said, emphasizing vocational training, international certifications, and skill development to prepare youth for contributing to national growth.
President Japarov expressed confidence in expanding bilateral ties and praised Pakistan’s cooperation in realizing mutually beneficial projects. He highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s strategic location in Eurasia, favorable geography, and growth achievements, including a near doubling of GDP over the past five years, 10% growth in the first ten months of 2025, and rising foreign investment.
Read More: Pakistan’s Investment in Kyrgyzstan Doubles Amid Growing Partnership
The Kyrgyz President invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in hydropower, logistics, agriculture, mining, halal industry, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and virtual assets, including the country’s new national stable coin.
Both leaders emphasized transforming historic goodwill into strong economic bonds and paving the way for sustained trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
