ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, Avazbek Atakhanov, invited Pakistani traders, businessmen, and industrialists to invest in Kyrgyzstan and promote bilateral trade, emphasizing the need for joint initiatives to strengthen economic relations between the two countries. He expressed these views during a meeting with Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General of the United Business Group (FPCCI), at the Kyrgyz Embassy. Member of the UBG Central Core Committee, Ahsan Bakhtawari, and FPCCI Executive Member Waqar Bakhtawari were also present.
During the meeting, an in-depth discussion was held on enhancing trade, cultural, and mutual relations between the two nations. Ambassador Atakhanov highlighted his ability to speak over 30 languages and shared that he came to Pakistan voluntarily. He previously served as Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to Iran. Shedding light on Kyrgyzstan’s progress, he stated that Kyrgyzstan is a rapidly developing country with a GDP growth rate of 9%. Currently, Kyrgyzstan hosts the largest number of international students globally, which strengthens its educational growth and international relations.
The ambassador detailed Kyrgyzstan’s government policies, including projects to enhance relations with other countries, such as extending a railway line through Iran and Russia to China, which would make Kyrgyzstan a key transit hub in Central Asia. He also revealed that Kyrgyzstan is working on a 2,000 MW hydropower project, which will not only increase energy self-sufficiency but also provide surplus energy resources to the region.
During the meeting, Zafar Bakhtawari expressed strong support for the ambassador’s remarks, stating that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share longstanding friendly relations, with Kyrgyzstan being an important ally of Pakistan. He highlighted the deep historical connection between the two countries, noting that Mughal Emperor Zahiruddin Babur hailed from Kyrgyzstan and that Babur’s mother was also from Kyrgyzstan, further cementing cultural ties.
Bakhtawari stressed the importance of enhancing air connectivity between the two nations, stating that improved links would boost both trade and cultural relations. Ahsan Bakhtawari underscored the need to create joint platforms and opportunities to strengthen business relations between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, welcoming the invitation from Kyrgyzstan as a step towards elevating bilateral trade to new heights.
Waqar Bakhtawari emphasized the importance of deepening cultural ties, noting that the rich cultural connections between the two nations could serve as a foundation for strengthening trade relations.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding economic ties, fostering trade cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, with the hope that mutual collaboration will continue to grow.
