As part of a working trip to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov held talks (in a narrow format) with the UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. Press service of the Cabinet reported.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation.
The head of the Cabinet stressed that Kyrgyzstan was interested in developing and further strengthening relations with the United Arab Emirates, and noted the high dynamics of development of Kyrgyz-Emirates relations.
«The activity of the intergovernmental commission for cooperation takes a key place in the further development and deepening of the trade and economic partnership between our states,» he said.
In turn, Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri expressed hope that the meeting of the intergovernmental commission would give a powerful impetus to accelerating the pace of cooperation between the two countries, both at the level of the public and private sectors. He also noted that Emirati companies, especially in recent years, have been actively investing in the economy of Kyrgyzstan.
For the further development and deepening of trade, economic and investment cooperation, the importance of holding the first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Emirati Business Council was noted. The parties paid special attention to the implementation of large investment projects. There is a close partnership with AD Ports Group in two areas — reconstruction and construction of airports in Kyrgyzstan and the modernization of customs and border posts.
The total cost of these projects is about $800 million.
In addition, Akylbek Japarov took part in the second plenary meeting of the Kyrgyz-UAE commission for economic cooperation.
«Kyrgyz-Arab economic cooperation has taken on a new breath. This is evidenced by intensive mutual visits, business forums and business meetings, including the Agreement on the establishment of a joint holding company in Kyrgyzstan with an authorized fund of $100 million. The business communities of the two countries established personal contacts and discussed prospects for cooperation. Concrete steps have been outlined to intensify trade and economic cooperation,» he said.
The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers added that from 2019 to 2021, the trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and the UAE increased by 2.9 times, including exports — 5.4 times, imports — by 10.2 percent. The volume of bilateral trade last year amounted to almost $70 million, and in the first eight months of this year — already $69 million.
Akylbek Japarov also noted the readiness of Kyrgyzstan to increase the supply of meat products, organic vegetables and fruits, honey, dried fruits, kidney beans, canned products and felt products to the UAE. He paid special attention to the development of the energy sector and expressed interest in further enhancing cooperation in the field of direct investment in the energy sector, construction of hydroelectric power plants and development of renewable energy sources.
