Maripov notes importance of continuing talks on China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway

Tashkent, March 26, 2021. / Kabar / . Increasing transport and transit cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with an emphasis on mutually beneficial use of transit potential of our states is an important condition for expanding trade, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Ulukbek Maripov said during an extended meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Tashkent. He noted the Kyrgyz side is interested in joint study of new markets to export products to the markets of Afghanistan and Pakistan by transit through Uzbekistan. "We also consider it important to continue negotiations on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. The advantages of rail transport were particularly evident during the coronavirus pandemic, when road freight transport was difficult. Due to quarantine measures, road transportation was limited, and against this background, the safest and most reliable way of transportation was by rail," he said. The Kyrgyz prime minister added the project would undoubtedly provide additional opportunities to expand both bilateral and multilateral trade and economic cooperation and contribute significantly to the development of transport infrastructure in Central Asia. The project on construction of the railroad along the China - Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan route is the largest project of the transport industry of Kyrgyzstan. The implementation of the project will make it possible to realize the transit potential of the republic, as well as to connect Kyrgyzstan with the countries of South-East and West Asia. For the first time the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad project was discussed back in the mid-90s. Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister Ulukbek Maripov is in Uzbekistan for a working visit. As part of the visit, Maripov visited 7 objects, including Technopark, plants and factories, as well as held a narrow format talks with his Uzbek counterpart Abdulla Aripov.