Kyrgyzstan is interested to Join CPEC and benefit from Gwadar Port

Kyrgyzstan is interested to join CPEC and benefit from the tremendous trade opportunities from Gwadar Port. These were the remarks by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan Ulanbek Totuiaev during a Seminar on “Business, Education and Tourism Opportunities in Kyrgyzstan” organized by The Diplomatic Insight, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Riphah Institute of Public Policy, Riphah International University, Islamabad.

The Ambassador was of the view that Pakistan is offering tremendous opportunities for Kyrgyzstan especially with the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

CPEC has been thriving lately with its second phase focusing on agriculture and industrial cooperation. He was of the view that as Gwadar port is growing at a fast pace, it is a greater chance for the Central Asian countries including Kyrgyzstan to fully benefit from this important port to reach global markets.

The Ambassador also highlighted that the regional cooperation and trade connection between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan through CPEC and Gwadar will help boost peace and prosperity in the region.

The Special Economic Zones under CPEC also provide abundant opportunities. Kyrgyz investors can avail the opportunities of business and tourism in Pakistan through CPEC projects and other important landscape throughout the country. The  Ambassador highlighted that both countries are part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) where both states are cooperating to build regional understanding on trade, investment, security cooperation and people-to-people ties. The Ambassador also highlighted that the geostrategic position of Kyrgyzstan at the crossroads between Central Asia and China and further through the Karakoram Pass to Pakistan opens up excellent opportunities for regional trade and economic cooperation, as well as establishing ties in all areas of mutual interest.

The Ambassador highlighted the strong friendly relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic as Pakistan became the first country to recognize independence of Kyrgyz Republic. In this context, it is also important to note that on December 15 Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev will arrive in Islamabad to participate in the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on December 16-17.

Ms. Farhat Asif, Founder Chairperson Diplomatic Insight Group and Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director, Riphah Institute of Public Policy also spoke on the occasion. A large number of students, faculty members, and media representatives were present.