Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan debate issues of increasing trade and economic interaction

Bishkek, Nov. 20, 2020 /Kabar/. Acting Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov talked over phone with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov, the press service of the Kyrgyz Government reported Friday. Artem Novikov expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by the Uzbek Government in the framework of measures to counteract the spread of coronavirus infection. During the talk, the sides discussed issues of intensifying trade and economic cooperation, increasing the volume of mutual trade and expanding its nomenclature by creating joint projects in the field of industrial cooperation, construction of trade and logistics centers, free economic (industrial) zone in the border areas of the two states. An agreement was reached to hold in December 2020 the 3rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Border Regions with participation of heads of regions of the two countries. Plan of practical measures (Road Map) on expansion and deepening of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan in trade-economic sphere with the purpose of increase of commodity turnover between the countries is expected to be signed within the framework of the Council. In conclusion, the sides expressed willingness to continue dialogue to address pressing issues of bilateral cooperation and further intensify the whole range of bilateral relations.