The Intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Belarusian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation convened its 11th meeting in Minsk, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Bakyt Torobaev, and Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Anatoly Sivak, focused on fostering trade, economic cooperation, and collaboration in various sectors.
Discussions during the meeting revolved around the future prospects of trade and economic ties between Kyrgyzstan and Belarus. The comprehensive agenda included deliberations on partnership opportunities in industries, transportation, agriculture, agro-industrial complexes, interregional cooperation, and other key sectors.
Bakyt Torobaev emphasized the pivotal role played by mutual visits, summit meetings, and the signing of agreements in nurturing comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. Kyrgyzstan and Belarus have demonstrated constructive collaboration on international platforms, extending mutual support on crucial matters of interaction.
One notable highlight of the meeting was the delivery of a personal message from President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan to the leader of Belarus. The message extended an invitation to participate in the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, scheduled for October 13 in Bishkek.
In a bid to intensify collaboration, the parties agreed to establish dedicated working groups focusing on industry, transport, and logistics. These groups will work towards implementing joint infrastructure projects, thereby reinforcing mutually advantageous economic ties within these sectors.
The education sector also featured prominently in the discussions. Both nations proposed increasing the allocation of spots for Kyrgyzstan students in budget-funded departments of leading Belarusian universities. This move aims to strengthen educational exchanges and promote academic cooperation.
A significant stride in bilateral relations was the shared interest in reestablishing regular direct air travel between the two countries along the Bishkek — Minsk route. This measure is expected to facilitate closer interaction and smoother travel logistics.
Delving into the industrial and subsoil utilization domain, Bakyt Torobaev underscored the substantial potential of Kyrgyz Republic's raw material reserves. The collaboration envisions the creation of enterprises with a high level of localized production through the joint development of these resources. This effort spans various sectors including petrochemicals, metallurgy, silicon and textile clusters, mineral fertilizer production, and more.
Furthermore, both nations expressed mutual commitment to fostering talent in the railway industry. Cooperation in this field aims to bolster the training of skilled technical personnel.
On the trade front, Belarus displayed keen interest in establishing a sustainable supply chain for fruits and vegetables from Kyrgyzstan, potentially benefiting both economies.
A notable proposal emerged from the Kyrgyz Republic—a proposition to organize a regional forum. This initiative aims to fortify interregional cooperation between different areas of the two countries. The efforts between the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan and Grodno Oblast of Belarus were highlighted as a successful example of such cooperation.
In a significant conclusion to the meeting, several pivotal documents were signed:
- Minutes of the meeting, outlining a diverse array of bilateral activities for the immediate and mid-term future.
- Roadmap of cooperation between the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan and Grodno Oblast of Belarus.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Company Kyrgyz Temir Zholu and the Belarusian Railroad.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Company Kyrgyz Temir Zholu and the Design and Survey Republican Unitary Enterprise Belzheldorproekt Institute.
This 11th Intergovernmental Commission meeting has set the stage for an intensified and mutually beneficial collaboration between Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, spanning a wide array of sectors and promising growth in economic ties for both nations.
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