Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are committed to their promise to increase the trade turnover.

Kyrgyz Economy Minister Artem Novikov and Uzbek Foreign Trade Minister Eler Ganiev discussed practical steps to increase trade turnover between the two countries in Tashkent, the Kyrgyz Economy Ministry reported on September 27.

The sides discussed the practical aspects of implementing the agreements reached during the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan and exchanged views on the upcoming Kyrgyz-Uzbek contacts.

They also considered issues of holding a joint Kyrgyz-Uzbek business forum and an exhibition of commodity producers of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Tashkent during the forthcoming state visit of Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev to Uzbekistan.

In addition, the parties reached agreements on setting up joint ventures.

The two countries’ trade turnover rose by twofold in the first half of the current year and it is expected that the volume of bilateral trade will total $280 million in late 2017.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are committed to increase their trade turnover up to $500 million within two years.

There is a great demand for Kyrgyz building materials (travertine, glass, slate), agricultural products (potatoes, apple), light industry goods (leather and knitwear, clothes) in Uzbek market.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev is expected to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on October 5-6.

A number of recent diplomatic meetings between Kyrgyz and Uzbek officials have indicated a significant improvement in bilateral ties between the two countries.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kyrgyzstan on September 5 of the current year was the first by an Uzbek leader in 17 years. Along with the signed border agreement, the sides voiced desire to reconsider the water and energy issues which caused controversy in the past.

Better Kyrgyz-Uzbek ties are expected to benefit the whole Central Asia and improve regional cooperation and dialogue.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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