Uzbek PM states need to increase trade with Kyrgyzstan up to USD 2 bln

Tashkent, March 26, 2021 . / Kabar / . Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov stated the need to increase trade with Kyrgyzstan in the next three years up to $2 billion. This became known during an extended format meeting of the 9th Kyrgyz-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission held in Tashkent. According to him, over the past four years, the amount of trade turnover between the two countries has grown five times in 2020, amounting to $900 million. "This is not the limit, there is potential for growth and bring the volume, as we have already said, to $2 billion in the next three years," Aripov added. The Uzbek prime minister noted the need to accelerate the start of the activities of Kyrgyz-Uzbek Development Fund aimed at implementing mutually beneficial industrial cooperation projects in various sectors. "We propose to intensify the work on the issues of wholesale and logistics centers to organize joint deliveries of our products to the markets of third countries. We consider it important to adopt a program of interaction between customs authorities and phytosanitary services of the two countries on the introduction of simplified customs, phytosanitary and quarantine control in the export and import of goods," he said. The head of the Uzbek government advocated further development of the Andijan - Osh - Irkeshtam - Kashgar road corridor, including through the introduction of public-private partnership mechanisms. Aripov also touched upon the construction of the Kyrgyzstan - China - Uzbekistan railroad. During his speech at the meeting, the prime minister of Uzbekistan drew attention to the fact that the opening of all checkpoints on the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border will serve to develop trade and economic cooperation and increase the flow of tourists. "We consider it important to accelerate the establishment of a bilateral water commission in order to resolve issues of operation of transboundary water facilities," he added.