A meeting of the Intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Russian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian Cooperation took place in the city of Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation). The meeting was chaired by the head of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Japarov, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexei Overchuk.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic relations, including increasing trade turnover between the two countries, creating favorable conditions for investments and joint ventures, cooperation in the field of industry, agriculture and energy sector.
In addition, issues of developing scientific and technical cooperation, expanding humanitarian ties, including education, culture and healthcare, as well as joint projects in the field of tourism and transport were discussed.
Akylbek Japarov stressed the importance of intergovernmental cooperation for the development of bilateral relations.
«Kyrgyzstan and Russia have a rich history of friendship and mutually beneficial partnership. We are confident that the results of today’s meeting will make a significant contribution to strengthening our strategic relations. Last year, trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Russia reached $3 billion, and in the first four months of 2024 it exceeded the billion mark, showing an increase of 30 percent. The goal of 5 billion has already been set by the leaders of the two countries, and we can only move steadily towards it,» he said.
He also touched upon issues of cooperation in the light industry.
«We have all the prerequisites for bringing the Kyrgyz textile and clothing industry to a level that allows to ensure sustainable development and worthy competition in international markets, including through Wildberries and OZON marketplaces,» Akylbek Japarov added.
He also paid attention to strengthening trade and economic ties, noting the need to involve subordinate organizations of ministries and departments, as well as state-owned enterprises of both countries, such as Kyrgyz Export, Center for Public-Private Partnership, Infocom, Kyrgyz Industry OJSC, Tourism Development Support Fund, Green Energy Fund and others.
«The financial sector of Kyrgyzstan demonstrates sustainable development — it is represented by a large number of financial and credit institutions, as well as a wide range of banking and financial products. Taking into account the desire of the parties to modernize the financial sector and increase the share of settlements in national currencies, I consider it important for the largest state-owned banks of Russia, such as Sberbank, VTB, Vnesheconombank and the Gazprombank group, to participate in the financial market of Kyrgyzstan. In particular, opening branches of Russian banks in Kyrgyzstan,» Akylbek Japarov suggested.
In turn, Alexey Overchuk noted the importance of further development of multifaceted cooperation and emphasized that Russia attaches great importance to strengthening trade and economic ties, as well as the development of humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
A corresponding protocol was signed following the meeting.