Kyrgyzstan and Qatar interested in further development of trade and economic relations

Bishkek, March 7, 2023 /Kabar/. Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev met in Doha with Minister of Trade and Industry of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani, the press service of the Economy Ministry said.

Amangeldiev spoke about the potential for the development of bilateral relations, including at the site of the intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Qatari Commission on economic, trade and technical cooperation.

He said that active work is currently underway to implement the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, on which an agreement was signed in 2022. This project will allow Kyrgyzstan to gain access to the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and also to European countries.

In addition, fundamental agreements have been signed and are in effect between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Qatar, aimed at developing economic cooperation, including agreements on the protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation.

The head of the Ministry of Economic Commerce expressed the interest of the Kyrgyz Republic in the experience of Qatar in the field of food security, namely the opening of joint logistics centers, market places, and e-commerce.

“In the field of tourism, the importance of simplifying visa procedures between countries was noted, and on March 5, 2023, a meeting was held with the Executive Director of Qatar Airways Group on the issue of opening direct flights between the countries,” Amangeldiev said.

In turn, the Minister of Trade and Industry of Qatar expressed interest in the further development of bilateral trade and economic relations. In particular, he noted that the possibility of opening direct flights between the two countries will be considered in order to expand trade and economic cooperation, as well as support business, the private sector and the tourism sector.

During the meeting, the hydropower potential of Kyrgyzstan was discussed, which is an area of interest for the Qatari side. Minister Amangeldiev also informed about projects in the field of hydropower, about the current state of supply of the population with electricity and its great demand.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their hope for further fruitful cooperation and exchanged memorable gifts.