Recently, Uzbekistan has been attracted close attention. The country is perceived as a reliable partner, as an attractive country for investment, but Uzbekistan itself is also able to invest in many economic sectors of Central Asian states.
Admittedly, relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have always been important, despite some misinterpretations that have taken place. But now a completely new era in the development of both Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic has come. Therefore, close contacts at the present stage can bring great benefits to the countries in cooperation in many areas, as well as entrench a strategic partnership. Countries of Central Asia should develop a consciousness of alliance, which will be based on strong ties, that in turn can affect the growth of economic and trade relations. As for political issues, they should also be discussed openly, so that there would be no difficulties, both in discussions and in solving problems.
Last week, Acting Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Artem Novikov took part in the Third Meeting of the Council of Kyrgyzstan’s Governors and Uzbekistan’s Heads of Border Regions that was held in a narrow format in Uzbek city of Fergana. In his speech, Artem Novikov expressed gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the humanitarian assistance rendered to Kyrgyzstan in the fight against coronavirus infection.
"Support of the Uzbek side in a difficult moment was very timely and is evidence of a truly fraternal relationship between our countries,” the acting prime minister noted.
He also noted the meeting of the Council of Heads of Border Regions of the two countries has become an excellent platform for rapid resolution of emerging issues and urgent tasks of trade and economic cooperation.
"Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are two of the three (Kazakhstan also) notable actors in Central Asia, whose potential is great in many ways. In past years, some tension could be observed between the two countries, but it should be noted that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have been able to keep their relations on the principles of good neighborliness and alliance. At this stage, international relations are being built on a platform of mutual trust and development. The current political map of the world still has pockets of tension, but this vector is disadvantageous for many. Especially for countries or republics that are united by one region, one geographic territory. It is worth to base relations on the prospects of economic growth, trade, and humanitarian cooperation. The new Government of Kyrgyzstan is active at the international level. I can mention the quality meetings of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev. First Deputy Prime Minister, Acting Prime Minister Artem Novikov also shows the level of the new formation's politician, and this is what will determine the further growth of interaction between the countries, in particular, if we are talking now about relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, including with this country. Uzbekistan is the leader in the energy sector in the region, Kyrgyzstan has the highest potential in terms of hydropower. This is one of the points of reference between the countries, which could also become a starting point in a new era of relations. There are other promising areas of close cooperation. And I think that in the coming years, these states will be able to find and develop them," said Russian political scientist Mark Antonov.
At the meetingm Artem Novikov emphasized the need to take specific practical measures to intensify economic cooperation and create favorable conditions for increasing the volume of trade and economic turnover between the two countries.
In this regard, the acting prime minister proposed to consider the implementation of industrial cooperation projects with the maximum use of the advantages and potential of the two economies for further exports of joint products to third countries.
"In order to develop the economic situation in border regions, we could implement a number of investment projects in such sectors as production and processing of fruit and vegetable products and construction materials, sour-milk products, meat and sausage products, as well as honey," Novikov added.
According to Novikov, an important condition for expanding trade and increasing the level of trade turnover is the activation of transport and transit cooperation between the two countries with an emphasis on the mutual and mutually beneficial use of their transit potential.
"The Kyrgyz Republic is interested in jointly exploring new markets for exporting agricultural, food and processing products to markets in Afghanistan and Pakistan through Uzbekistan," the acting prime minister said.
At the end of his speech, Artem Novikov elaborated on the Plan of Practical Measures (Roadmap) to expand and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting resulted in singing a Protocol of the Third Meeting of the Council of Kyrgyzstan’s Governors and Uzbekistan’s Heads of Border Regions.
"I would like to note that this meeting could become a landmark in the history of relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. This once again confirms that the countries of the Central Asian region have a unique chance to reach the highest level of their development," concluded the political scientist.
As part of the working visit, Acting PM Novikov got acquainted with the activity of a number of industrial facilities in Fergana city of Uzbekistan.
The city hosted the meeting of Novikov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov. During the talks, the sides discussed the full range of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In particular, it was decided to consider by Dec. 25 this year a range of issues on the implementation of joint investment projects and industrial cooperation projects with the definition of specific activities, directions and conditions for joint cooperation. Issues of development of transport sector, including international transportations to expand the geography of exports of both countries and their access to new markets were also discussed.
The sides debated the development of joint trade and logistics and wholesale and distribution infrastructure in the territory of both countries. Also, under the previously signed agreement on financial cooperation, it was decided to establish a Kyrgyz-Uzbek Investment Fund with an authorized capital of $50 million and a working group on cooperation in the customs sphere.
At the end of the visit, it was agreed to sign a road map to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation.
There is still work to be done to turn the objectives into practice. This requires both the political will and the desire of ordinary citizens to follow the path of planned transformations. There is confidence that Central Asian leaders are ready to work towards a common trend of development in all leading directions.
Kabar News Agency
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