Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have set an ambitious target to bolster their economic ties by increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion. This commitment was reaffirmed during the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Council, which took place in Bishkek on October 30. The discussions were led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, focusing on key areas such as economic collaboration, transportation, agriculture, water management, digitalisation, and cultural cooperation.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening their countries’ economic relationship. Bektenov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s role as a significant regional partner and expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation in sectors like transport and agriculture would support the trade goal. Kasymaliyev underscored the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, as well as the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations.
Trade between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has shown substantial growth, with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, reporting a nearly 20% increase in trade from January to August 2026, reaching $1.75 billion. Agricultural trade has also seen a notable rise, increasing by 41.5% to surpass $500 million in 2025. Kazakhstan plans to enhance its export of grain, oilseeds, sunflower oil, oilseed meal, and other food products to Kyrgyzstan, as outlined in their bilateral roadmap.
Transportation infrastructure and cooperation emerged as a priority during the discussions. Both countries reported progress in rail and road freight volumes and agreed to increase the number of electronic transport permits exchanged at their shared border to 5,000. Additionally, efforts are underway to modernize eight road border checkpoints to facilitate smoother trade flows.
Air connectivity has also improved, with scheduled flights between the two countries increasing by 19% to 19 per week, thereby supporting business and tourism exchanges. Furthermore, the two nations deliberated on the management of shared water resources, environmental protection, and the exchange of hydrometeorological data. Digital cooperation, including initiatives related to artificial intelligence, satellite data, and space, was also on the agenda.
The meeting concluded with both sides signing a final protocol, committing to the implementation of agreements and the deepening of cooperation across these strategic sectors. This initiative not only aims to enhance trade but also to strengthen the overall partnership between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.