Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have set a goal of increasing their bilateral trade to $3 billion, a commitment reaffirmed during the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Council held in Bishkek on October 30. The discussions were led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, focusing on strengthening their economic relations in sectors such as agriculture, transport connectivity, water management, digitalisation, and cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s role as a vital regional partner, stating that closer cooperation in transport, agriculture, and other economic sectors would help achieve the trade target. Kasymaliyev echoed these sentiments, highlighting the countries’ historical and cultural ties and the positive development in bilateral relations.
Trade between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has shown significant growth, with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, reporting a nearly 20% increase in bilateral trade from January to August 2026, reaching $1.75 billion. Agricultural trade also saw a substantial rise of 41.5% in 2025, exceeding $500 million, with Kazakhstan planning to expand its supply of grain, oilseeds, sunflower oil, and other food products to Kyrgyzstan.
The two nations are considering the development of a cross-border industrial, trade, and logistics complex to enhance trade flows and strengthen economic links in their border regions. Transport cooperation remains a priority, with growth in rail and road freight volumes and an agreement to increase electronic transport permits to 5,000 at their shared border. The modernisation of eight road border checkpoints is underway, and the number of scheduled flights between the countries has risen by 19% to 19 per week, supporting both business and tourism.
In addition to economic and transport discussions, officials addressed the management of shared water resources, environmental protection, and the exchange of hydrometeorological data. They also explored digital cooperation, including artificial intelligence, satellite data, and space-related initiatives.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a final protocol, with both sides committing to implementing the agreements and deepening cooperation across key sectors. This partnership aims to boost mutual development and achieve the ambitious trade target set by both nations.