Islamabad – Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, met Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, Bakyt Sydykov, in Bishkek on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment, marking a significant step in regional economic engagement. It was a high-level visit and agenda as Azizi’s visit came at the official invitation of the Kyrgyz minister and was aimed at exploring new, mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. During the talks, both sides discussed expanding trade in key sectors such as textiles, agriculture, energy, and transit connectivity, while Kyrgyzstan briefed the Afghan delegation on its ongoing economic reforms.
A major focus of the meeting was digitalization, with Kyrgyzstan offering to share its expertise and best practices in implementing digital systems. The ministers agreed this could improve trade facilitation and modernize customs procedures, helping boost business activity between the two nations.
In a move to institutionalize economic cooperation, the two countries agreed to open trade houses in Kabul and Bishkek. These trade hubs are expected to provide a direct platform for businesses to showcase products, connect with partners, and expand market access.
The discussions concluded with the signing of two key documents, a roadmap for cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade and economic partnership. The roadmap outlines specific measures for increasing bilateral trade volumes, while the MoU provides a framework for structured, long-term collaboration. Broader regional initiatives, including cooperation in energy projects such as CASA-1000, technology transfer, and enhanced transport corridors, were also discussed. Both sides acknowledged the importance of security and stability in facilitating sustained economic ties, particularly given Afghanistan’s role as a potential bridge between South and Central Asia.
Joint Trade Council and Banking Cooperation
The ministers further agreed to establish a joint trade council to promote investment, enhance banking cooperation, and address trade barriers. Officials described this as a practical step toward implementing the agreements signed during the visit. For Pakistan, the growing economic engagement between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan holds strategic relevance. Enhanced Afghan–Kyrgyz trade links, particularly through projects like CASA-1000 and expanded transit corridors, could strengthen regional connectivity routes that pass through Pakistan, offering new opportunities for trade, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development within the broader Central and South Asian framework.
Analysts view this engagement as part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader effort to diversify regional partnerships, especially following its removal of the Taliban from its banned list earlier this year, a move that opened the door to formal government-level dialogue. For Afghanistan, the agreements signal a drive to overcome political isolation by deepening ties with Central Asian states.
