Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev took part in working sessions within the framework of the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization. Press service of the ministry reported.
One of the important issues was to respond to future pandemics, providing a stable and predictable trading environment for the supply of goods and services in accordance with WTO rules to facilitate the production, supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutic, diagnostic means and other essential medical products.
Daniyar Amangeldiev noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught all countries of the world that enhancement of cooperation between members in the field of trade policy is of increasing importance in times of the global health crisis.
«Our main goal is to ensure the efficient and predictable flow of essential medical supplies across borders to combat the pandemic and any future health crises,» he said.
A separate session was devoted to food security. Participants discussed the global food crisis. Issues of improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems, and introducing sustainable agricultural practices were considered.
Kyrgyzstan is concerned about difficulties in the supply of agricultural products and rising world prices for them.
This has had a serious impact on low-income developing countries, including the republic.
«Despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan is an agrarian country with a 24 percent share of agriculture, the republic is still dependent on the import of many food products, including flour, wheat, sugar and vegetable oil. Since the beginning of 2022, prices for basic foodstuffs have increased by 15 percent, which is associated with the global food crisis and devaluation of the national currency. Against the backdrop of recent events, the issue of ensuring the country’s food independence as the main component of national security has arisen. We should not miss the opportunity to discuss the problem and find an effective solution to minimize the consequences of the current crisis,» Daniyar Amangeldiev concluded.
