The 5th session of the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in Islamabad on Monday, reflecting a shared commitment to expand cooperation in diverse sectors of mutual interest.
The meeting marked a significant advancement in the bilateral relationship between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, said a press release.
The session was co-chaired by Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Leghari, and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baisalov.
Both sides held in-depth discussions and reviewed progress made since the last session, with renewed focus on strengthening economic and technical collaboration.
During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to boost bilateral trade, setting a target to raise trade volume to $100 million.
They agreed to work on diversification of exports and imports, revive the Pakistan-Kyrgyz Joint Business Council, and organise business forums, trade fairs, and B2B exchanges.
A number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to deepen cooperation in key sectors.
An MoU was signed between the Centre for Standardisation and Metrology under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan.
The agreement focuses on standardisation, metrology, conformity assessment, and management systems.
A second MoU was signed between the National Investments Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Board of Investment of Pakistan to foster investment cooperation.
The third MoU focused on Halal trade cooperation, signed between the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan and the State Institution “Centre for Development of Halal Industry” under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan.
In the energy and environment domain, the Kyrgyz side proposed joint participation in a power transmission line project connecting Kyrgyzstan, China, and northern Pakistan.
Both countries agreed to explore electricity imports, collaboration in renewable energy, mining, hydrocarbons, and technical partnerships between institutions like the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan and the Kyrgyz State Technical University.
Discussions also focused on enhancing regional connectivity through logistics and transportation.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in postal services, cargo and rail transport, and civil aviation.
Pakistan proposed that Kyrgyz airlines shift from charter to regular passenger flights for improved service.
Pakistan also took note of Kyrgyzstan’s proposed new air route linking with China and expressed interest in further dialogue on regional air connectivity.
The Kyrgyz side also proposed Pakistani participation in a high-speed fibre-optic communication line project along the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan route.
Both countries underscored the importance of strengthening financial cooperation.
The central banks of both countries agreed to collaborate on the development of Islamic banking and financial instruments, including training programmes through Pakistan’s National Institute of Banking and Finance.
In the health and pharmaceutical sectors, both parties agreed to accelerate discussions on cooperation in medical education, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments.
Pakistan welcomed Kyrgyz proposals to facilitate the participation of Pakistani companies in public procurement and to support the registration of Pakistani medicines in Kyrgyzstan.
Both sides expressed interest in establishing joint ventures in vaccine and biological product manufacturing.
Cultural cooperation was identified as a key area for people-to-people exchange. The two sides agreed to promote regular cultural exchanges, organise events, and support participation in international sports events.
They also discussed enhancing cooperation in cinematography and information broadcasting, with Pakistan proposing content sharing and training programmes between media institutions of both countries.
Education and scientific collaboration featured prominently in the discussions.
The parties agreed to promote joint training programmes, academic exchanges, and institutional linkages.
Pakistan reiterated its support to Kyrgyz students under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP).
Both sides also agreed to explore labour cooperation and establish a joint working group to discuss its modalities.
The session concluded with the decision to hold the 6th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission in the Kyrgyz Republic. Dates will be finalised through diplomatic channels.
