Islamabad: His Excellency Ulanbek Totuiaev, the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized that Kyrgyzstan serves as a gateway for the Pakistani business community to access and benefit from the Eurasian Economic Union, which boasts a population of 180 million. Speaking at the forum titled “Pakistan Kyrgyzstan Relations – Present Status and Way Forward,” hosted by Tazeen Akhtar of the international journal “Pakistan in the World,” Ambassador Totuiaev highlighted the significant potential for rapid growth in trade, economic collaboration, investments, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The event, attended by prominent figures such as Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov of Turkmenistan, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov of Azerbaijan, President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce Saqib Rafiq, former Chairperson of the National Commission of Rights of Child Afshan Tehseen Bajwa, Chairperson of COPAIR Aamna Awan, and other dignitaries, aimed to discuss the current status and future prospects of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations.
Rector of Salymbekov University of Bishkek, Mr. Esengaldi Zhumadilov, and the Vice President of the University also participated in the forum. Additionally, experts like Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of Inter-board Coordination Commission IBCC, Mr. Ateeq Virk, Director of Virtual University Islamabad, and Mr. Tayyab Chatha, an Education Expert, shared insights on opportunities in the education sector.
Ambassador Totuiaev emphasized the warm bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and religious ties. He encouraged Pakistani companies to explore ventures and invest in various projects in Kyrgyz Republic, providing an excellent opportunity for capital growth and access to the 180 million people market of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Highlighting potential areas of collaboration, Ambassador Totuiaev mentioned hydro power plants, renewable energy projects, textile, pharmaceuticals, construction, mining, agriculture, food industry, and tourism. He noted that overcoming logistic challenges with projects like railway connections between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, and Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan could facilitate trade.
Ambassador Totuiaev urged Pakistani businessmen to actively use the potential of the Quadrilateral Transit Transport Agreement, providing a shortest road link through Kyrgyzstan to Central Asian states, Russia, and Europe. He expressed hope that trade houses, similar to the one opened in Lahore last year, would be established in other major Pakistani cities.
Acknowledging the challenging global scenario, Ambassador Totuiaev called for regional unity and increased cooperation in political, economic, and cultural dimensions. He invited Pakistani businessmen and investors to collaborate with Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the country’s efforts in developing the economic sphere and fostering a favorable investment climate.
In conclusion, Ambassador Totuiaev emphasized the importance of stable and prosperous regional interconnections, especially during times of geopolitical changes. He called on Pakistani business circles to engage with Kyrgyz counterparts, emphasizing that such cooperation could be mutually beneficial.