Uzbek Delegation Holds Business Talks in Bishkek

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — An Uzbek delegation comprising representatives of leading analytical centers, sectoral ministries and government agencies is on a working visit to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The visit is aimed at discussing the current state of Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and developing practical proposals to further deepen and expand bilateral cooperation.

Particular attention was given to trade and economic partnership. A delegation from the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS), led by Director Eldor Aripov, together with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Uzbekistan Exporters Association, held a meeting at the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund.

Participants said the fund, established on the initiative of the two countries' presidents, has become an important instrument for implementing joint initiatives and advancing industrial cooperation.

Speaking at the meeting, the fund's Chairman Aziz Aaliyev said the institution plays a key role in financing joint investment projects. He noted that 37 projects worth US$60 million have so far been approved for implementation, with total investment reaching US$100 million including co-investor financing.

The sides also discussed ways to improve the fund's effectiveness and unlock its potential. Particular attention was paid to adapting the institution to changing market conditions by streamlining internal procedures and accelerating the approval of project applications.

The delegation also held talks with more than 50 business representatives from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan covering trade, construction, financial services and industrial cooperation.

During the discussions, participants welcomed the high level of bilateral partnership, the continued removal of barriers and the development of a common economic space, while noting that considerable untapped potential for cooperation remains.

Against the backdrop of a construction boom in Kyrgyzstan, where the sector expanded by 21% last year, participants highlighted strong demand for construction specialists and the importance of simplifying migration legislation to meet labor market needs.

The meeting also noted the rapid growth in mutual travel. Of the 9 million Central Asian tourists who visited Uzbekistan in 2025, more than 3.3 million were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A similar trend has been observed in Kyrgyzstan, where business ties continue to strengthen and the number of business trips is steadily increasing.

Kyrgyz airlines also expressed interest in launching flights to Uzbek cities, particularly Khiva, Samarkand and Ferghana. Participants noted that although the number of weekly flights has increased from three to more than 40 compared with previous years, demand remains high.

Transport logistics was another topic of discussion. Given growing demand in the Kyrgyz market, business representatives stressed the importance of expanding the fleet of freight vehicles to ensure timely cargo deliveries. Tourism and bank financing were also discussed.

All of these issues were considered in the context of achieving the strategic goal set by the leaders of the two countries of increasing bilateral trade to US$2 billion.

Participants expressed confidence that the strong potential for industrial cooperation and the traditionally friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan provide a solid foundation for deeper integration across Central Asia.