In a recent interview with a journalist from Kyrgyzstan, the former Chairman of the Intergovernmental Commissions on Delimitation and Demarcation of Borders for the Kyrgyz Republic shared his views on the present state of the relationship between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, he provided his perspective on the timeline for completing the border delimitation and demarcation process.
The former Chairman acknowledged that Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have experienced challenges stemming from armed conflicts along their shared border in 2021 and 2022. Nevertheless, both governments are engaged in negotiations to seek a resolution, with the Intergovernmental Commission working diligently to define the border. The process remains complex and unpredictable, but progress is being made through constructive dialogue and cooperation.
Can you provide an overview of the current economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan?
I understand that the trade volume between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for the first seven months of 2022 was a mere $3.2mn. However, it's worth noting that official statistics don't paint an accurate picture due to smuggling going on in both directions. I believe that the level of economic cooperation between the two countries is quite low. Over this year, the mutual trade turnover has decreased by seven times. Sadly, deteriorating relations between the two countries in recent years have led to their almost complete cessation of trade and economic ties, despite having a common market of 16mn people.
Could you recommend ways to enhance the bilateral relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan?
Unfortunately, the current uncertainty of the State border has led to negative consequences, making engaging in serious cooperation in trade, economics, investment, and other spheres difficult. The restrictions imposed by the Kyrgyz Republic on the border with Tajikistan have adversely affected the socio-economic situation in Tajikistan, causing significant financial losses for Tajik peasant farms and enterprises. This has hurt the business activity of the population in the border areas. However, both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have great potential for effective cooperation in all areas of bilateral cooperation that could benefit both sides. Therefore, urgent, concrete, practical measures must be taken to promote trade, economic, water, and energy cooperation. Despite the current global crisis, economic cooperation must be a priority for both parties.
To increase the volume of trade and economic turnover, it is essential to create favorable conditions, including the joint development of mechanisms of interaction on the export, import, and re-export of goods, taking into account the membership of Kyrgyzstan in the EAEU and the availability of GSP+ status. The potential of free economic zones of the Kyrgyz Republic must also be utilized, as well as the creation of joint ventures for processing agricultural products.
To further develop good-neighborly relations between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, it is crucial to create favorable conditions for citizens of both countries engaged in entrepreneurial and labor activities in the territories of both states. Economic interaction must be intensified to increase the level of political interaction. Implementing the idea to expand the Razzakov airport with international status will undoubtedly increase cargo flow, positively affecting the rise in business activity in the border areas of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The Kyrgyz-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Comprehensive Consideration of Bilateral Issues could effectively develop trade and economic cooperation. The solution to border issues has the most beneficial influence on the positive development of bilateral relations. Therefore, the peaceful settlement of border disputes with Tajikistan is a priority for the Kyrgyz leadership.
Since ancient times, roads have served as criteria contributing to a very close rapprochement of peoples. Naturally, we look forward to that happy day when the roads that have served our people for centuries will find their former purpose. They must serve the people for whom the borders must be transparent, he concluded.
Credits: Bakyt Stamov, Bishkek, July 3, 2023
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