Council of Kyrgyz, Uzbek border regions convenes third joint meeting

Bishkek, Dec. 9, 2020 /Kabar/. Acting Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov participated in the Third Meeting of the Council of Kyrgyzstan’s Governors and Uzbekistan’s Heads of Border Regions. According to the press service of the Kyrgyz Government, the extended format meetig took place in Uzbekistan’s Fergana city. In his speech, Artem Novikov expressed gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the humanitarian assistance rendered to Kyrgyzstan in the fight against coronavirus infection. "Support of the Uzbek side in a difficult moment was very timely and is evidence of a truly fraternal relationship between our countries,” the acting prime minister said. He also noted the meeting of the Council of Heads of Border Regions of the two countries has become an excellent platform for rapid resolution of emerging issues and urgent tasks of trade and economic cooperation. Novikov proposed to consider the implementation of industrial cooperation projects with the maximum use of the advantages and potential of the two economies for further exports of joint products to third countries. It was noted that there is an unrealized potential for investment cooperation between the countries. "In order to develop the economic situation in border regions, we could implement a number of investment projects in such sectors as production and processing of fruit and vegetable products and construction materials, sour-milk products, meat and sausage products, as well as honey," Novikov added. "The Kyrgyz Republic is interested in jointly exploring new markets for exporting agricultural, food and processing products to markets in Afghanistan and Pakistan through Uzbekistan," the acting prime minister said. At the end of his speech, Artem Novikov elaborated on the Plan of Practical Measures (Roadmap) to expand and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The meeting resulted in singing a Protocol of the Third Meeting of the Council of Kyrgyzstan’s Governors and Uzbekistan’s Heads of Border Regions. As part of the working visit, Acting PM Novikov got acquainted with the activity of a number of industrial facilities in Fergana city of Uzbekistan.