Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have set a target to boost their bilateral trade to $3 billion, as discussed during the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Council in Bishkek on October 30. The meeting was led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, who focused on enhancing economic relations across various sectors including agriculture, transport, and digital cooperation.
Kazakhstan views Kyrgyzstan as a crucial partner in the region, with Prime Minister Bektenov emphasizing the importance of collaboration in key economic sectors to reach their trade goals. Chairman Kasymaliyev echoed these sentiments, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations and highlighting the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations.
The two countries have reported significant growth in their trade activities. According to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, trade surged by nearly 20% from January to August 2026, totaling $1.75 billion. The agricultural sector, in particular, saw notable growth, with trade increasing by 41.5% in 2025 to surpass $500 million. Kazakhstan plans to expand its exports of grain, oilseeds, sunflower oil, and other food products to Kyrgyzstan as part of a bilateral roadmap.
Transport infrastructure and cooperation were also key topics of discussion. Both nations have seen increased rail and road freight volumes and have agreed to raise the number of electronic transport permits exchanged at their border to 5,000. Efforts to modernize eight road border checkpoints are currently in progress. Additionally, the frequency of scheduled flights between the two countries has risen by 19%, now totaling 19 per week, which supports business and tourism activities.
Beyond trade and transport, the meeting addressed shared water resource management, environmental protection, and the exchange of hydrometeorological data. The discussions extended to digital cooperation, with a focus on artificial intelligence, satellite data, and space-related initiatives.
The meeting concluded with both countries signing a final protocol, pledging to implement the agreements and further deepen cooperation in vital sectors. This commitment underscores the mutual goal of enhancing economic ties and achieving the ambitious trade target set by the two nations.