Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral trade to $3 billion, following discussions at the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Council in Bishkek on October 30. The meeting was led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, focusing on enhancing economic relations across various sectors including agriculture, transport connectivity, and digital cooperation.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of Kyrgyzstan as a regional partner, noting that strengthened ties in transport and agriculture could play a crucial role in reaching the trade target. Kasymaliyev echoed these sentiments, highlighting the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations and the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations.
Recent data indicates a substantial growth in trade between the countries, with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, reporting a nearly 20% increase in trade from January to August, amounting to $1.75 billion. Agricultural trade, in particular, surged by 41.5% in 2025, surpassing $500 million. Kazakhstan plans to further augment its agricultural exports to Kyrgyzstan, including grain, oilseeds, and sunflower oil.
The development of a cross-border industrial, trade, and logistics complex was also discussed as a means to enhance trade flows and fortify economic connections in border regions. Transport cooperation remains a priority, with both nations experiencing growth in rail and road freight volumes and agreeing to expand electronic transport permits to 5,000 at their shared border. Modernization efforts are underway for eight road border checkpoints to facilitate this growth.
Additionally, the number of scheduled flights between the two countries has risen by 19% to 19 per week, fostering stronger business and tourism links. Discussions also covered shared water resource management, environmental protection, and digital cooperation, including artificial intelligence and space-related initiatives.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a final protocol, committing both sides to implement the agreed-upon initiatives and deepen collaboration across key sectors.