Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan target $200 million in trade as leaders seek closer ties

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in transport, energy, investment, education and security as Islamabad seeks stronger economic ties with Central Asia.

What trade target did Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agree on?

The two countries instructed their governments to draw up a comprehensive action plan to gradually raise two-way trade to $200 million.

Leaders called for measures to facilitate commerce, joint investment and industrial cooperation, identifying mining, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies as sectors for cooperation.

What agreements did Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan sign on trade?

The two leaders held talks on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The talks produced a series of agreements, including one between the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry aimed at strengthening private-sector ties. The countries also identified halal industry and food processing as further areas for cooperation, including through joint ventures, technology transfers and local production.

How will transit trade benefit Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan?

A key outcome of the visit was an agreement on transit trade between the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers and the Pakistani government. The two sides said the deal could improve transport links between Central and South Asia and create new opportunities for regional trade. It builds on the countries' existing commitments under the Quadrilateral Agreement on Traffic in Transit, with leaders pledging to simplify customs, transport and administrative procedures.

Kyrgyzstan also expressed interest in making greater use of Pakistani seaports. This could give the landlocked Central Asian country additional routes for international trade while helping diversify regional transport corridors.

What energy and digital economy deals were reached?

Energy was another focus, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the timely implementation of the CASA-1000 power transmission project linking Central and South Asia. The countries also welcomed the creation of a Joint Working Group on Energy to develop proposals covering electricity, hydropower, renewable energy and modern technologies. The cooperation agenda extended into the digital economy, with both sides welcoming a memorandum covering virtual assets and blockchain technologies.

The two sides said the digital economy agreement could support financial-market integration, cross-border investment and technological innovation. They also pointed to the development of a secure digital-asset ecosystem as a shared goal.

What education and health cooperation did the two countries agree on?

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to expand academic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Several agreements and memoranda were signed covering scientific and technological cooperation, education, medical education, academic research and strategic studies.

The leaders also called for closer cooperation in medical education while stressing the importance of maintaining high standards of professional training.

What security cooperation did Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agree on?

The two countries pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime.

Their agreements included arrangements on extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and cooperation against illicit narcotics trafficking. The leaders also agreed to expand defense cooperation and strengthen institutional links between relevant agencies.

How does Afghanistan factor into the agreement?

The leaders linked regional economic integration to stability in Afghanistan, saying peace and security there were essential for developing seamless transport and trade connections between Central and South Asia.

They reiterated that Afghan territory should not be used for activities threatening the security of other countries, in line with Afghanistan's international obligations. The leaders also called for outstanding disputes and conflicts to be resolved peacefully under international law and the principles of the U.N. Charter.

How are Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan supporting each other diplomatically?

Zhaparov welcomed Pakistan's efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the Middle East, including mediation efforts led by Sharif that contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The two countries pledged to coordinate more closely through international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Organization. Kyrgyzstan expressed support for Pakistan's chairmanship of the SCO and ECO for 2026-27.

Sharif congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for 2027-28 and pledged Pakistan's cooperation on issues including international peace, security and sustainable development. Kyrgyzstan thanked Pakistan for supporting its U.N. candidacy and praised Islamabad's contribution to international peace and security during its 2025-26 term on the Security Council.

What tourism and cultural agreements were signed?

The two sides agreed to promote tourism and increase visitor flows by encouraging cooperation between tourism operators, welcoming the establishment of a Kyrgyz-Pakistan Joint Working Group on Tourism.

An agreement establishing a Sister City relationship between Osh and Lahore was also signed, with both sides saying it would strengthen cultural exchanges and broader people-to-people ties. The joint statement described Sharif's visit as opening a "new chapter" in relations, with both countries pledging to implement the agreements reached.