Industry, integration, trade - issues that Zhenish Razakov discussed with Tajik colleagues

Bishkek hosts meeting of the Kyrgyz-Tajik intergovernmental commission. Its co-chairman is the Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Zhenish Razakov.

He was the first who spoke on relations between the two countries and the possible prospects of cooperation.

Establishing dialogue

"I believe that we have found a unique form of successful cooperation both in bilateral and multilateral relations," Zhenish Razakov opened the meeting.

A positive aspect of interaction between the two countries, in his opinion, is that many of the issues of bilateral cooperation are solved in a friendly and constructive format.

"Relations between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2015-2016 had intensive contacts at all levels. Meetings confirmed the desire of the parties to step up cooperation in all areas," Zhenish Razakov said. 

The Vice Prime Minister stressed that all the reached agreements in the field of energy cooperation, transport, and communications would further strengthen the Kyrgyz-Tajik relations.

"The main political achievement is the preservation of peace and civil rest on the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border," Zhenish Razakov said.

The official pointed out that the talks on topical issues have accelerated. The interaction and strengthening of ties is observed in all spheres. 

Traditionally, it was stressed that Kyrgyzstan in its foreign policy gives priority to the development of cooperation with Tajikistan. The neighboring republic is attractive for us in the area of trade. However, the trade turnover between the two countries is unstable.

Conquering EEU together

Kyrgyzstan actively follows the path of economic convergence with its neighbors and integrates into EEU. Kyrgyzstan has a good opportunity to produce and export ecologically clean products. Tajikistan also has considerable export potential. 

The Kyrgyz Republic offers Tajikistan to establish the delivery of required raw materials from Tajikistan.

"Membership of the Kyrgyz Republic in EEU opens up broad prospects for economic and trade cooperation not only for Kyrgyzstan, but also for the neighboring countries," Zhenish Razakov said.

As of today Kyrgyzstan has simplified rules for starting a business, it reduced barriers, suspended unjustified checks of business entities. This allows businessmen consistently engage in production. Therefore, Zhenish Razakov offered the colleagues to step up and establish contacts between business structures.

In the Eurasian direction, Kyrgyzstan offers Tajikistan cooperation in the field of industry, agriculture, processing food industry, tourism, fuel and energy sector.

Development of border areas is priority  

Zhenish Razakov specially stressed the importance of the development of border areas of the two states in the work of the intergovernmental commission. He is confident that the work on cross-border cooperation should contribute to addressing issues, related to improving the quality of life of the population at the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the removal of barriers in trade, transportation, the creation of clear and uniform rules for doing business. 

"Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are linked not only by a common border line, but also by the experience of friendship and centuries-long mutual cooperation, unity of economic interests," Zhenish Razakov said.