Kyrgyzstan and Russia strengthen interregional cooperation by advancing trade, investment and joint projects in industry, agriculture, technology and tourism to deepen long-term economic integration.
The president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, has once again stressed the willingness of his country to work on enhancing economic cooperation between the regions, emphasizing new prospects for collaboration, investment, industry development, and doing business. The talks were held during the president's visit to the Russian region governors in the town of Cholpon-Ata.
As stated in a message released by the press office of the president of Kyrgyzstan on August 6, the meetings revolved around furthering economic relations and promoting new joint projects between Kyrgyzstan and the regions of Russia. President Japarov stressed that cooperation at the regional level would be vital for the strengthening of their overall strategic partnership.
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The major areas identified during the meeting with respect to joint manufacturing ventures included the industries, pharmaceuticals, and food processing industries. He highlighted the fact that joint manufacturing plants would assist in the diversification of economic activities as well as develop the industrial capacity of both countries.
In addition, the president stressed the significance of upcoming events such as the Eighth Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum and the Twelfth Kyrgyz-Russian Interregional Conference that would prove to be an effective platform for coming up with innovative ideas and encouraging partnership to boost economic relations between the two countries. These meetings would provide a platform for interaction between government officials, investors, and other private sector participants.
In order to promote more active involvement of Russia in the innovation system of Kyrgyzstan, Japarov called on regional administration and business community to make investments via Kyrgyzstan's High Technologies Park and Tamchy Special Economic Investment Zone, which are expected to attract investments into technology sector.
Delegates from the regions of Russia pointed to several successful joint ventures carried out in the agro-industrial complex, IT, and tourism sectors. They mentioned that better direct business-to-business collaboration will ensure further development of trade and investment and create a solid base for future economic cooperation.
Collaboration between the regions has become one of the key elements of Kyrgyz-Russian relations, besides the agreements that are concluded at the level of states. Through such activities as annual economic forums and interregional meetings, the regions and provinces of the two countries have been able to establish partnership in industries including production, agriculture, transportation, education, and tourism.
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Russia is still the largest trading partner and the leading source of FDI for Kyrgyzstan. As the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), both countries have aligned their policies in terms of trade, customs and transportation to further promote economic integration and commerce between them.
In light of the recent talks, it becomes clear that Kyrgyzstan and Russia have a common interest in building regional ties and providing themselves with new avenues for sustainable economic development. Through the means of boosting economic cooperation, developing industries, and fostering innovation, these two states seek to build long-term economic integration and increase prosperity.