During the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Council in Bishkek on October 30, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan reiterated their commitment to boosting bilateral trade to $3 billion. The discussions, led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, focused on enhancing economic ties through sectors such as agriculture, transport connectivity, water management, digitalization, and cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s role as a key regional partner, highlighting that intensified cooperation in transport, agriculture, and other sectors would be instrumental in reaching the trade goal. Chairman Kasymaliyev echoed these sentiments by noting the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations and the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations.
Trade between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has been on the rise, as noted by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev. Bilateral trade saw a nearly 20% increase from January to August 2026, amounting to $1.75 billion. The agricultural sector also experienced significant growth, with a 41.5% rise in trade to over $500 million in 2025. As part of a bilateral roadmap, Kazakhstan intends to increase its export of grain, oilseeds, sunflower oil, and other food products to Kyrgyzstan.
Transport cooperation emerged as a vital area of focus, with both countries reporting growth in rail and road freight volumes. An agreement was made to increase the number of electronic transport permits exchanged at their border to 5,000. Additionally, modernization efforts are underway at eight road border checkpoints. Air connectivity has also improved, with scheduled flights between the two countries increasing by 19% to 19 per week, thereby supporting business and tourism.
Furthermore, discussions extended to shared water resource management, environmental protection, and the exchange of hydrometeorological data. Digital initiatives, including artificial intelligence and satellite data, were also on the agenda. The meeting concluded with the signing of a final protocol, with both parties pledging to implement the agreements and deepen cooperation across these key sectors.