Kyrgyz Deputy Minister Attends SCO Economic and Trade Meeting, Highlights Growing Trade Ties
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce, Sanzhar Bolotov, participated in the second meeting of the Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries responsible for foreign economic and trade activities. The meeting focused on advancing trade and economic cooperation among SCO member states.
During the discussions, it was announced that China will assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, with 2025 designated as the Year of Sustainable Development.
Deputy Minister Bolotov emphasized the pivotal role of SCO countries in Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade. In 2023, SCO countries accounted for 67.9% of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade, including 49.6% of its exports and 72.8% of its imports. These figures increased in the first half of 2024, with SCO countries contributing 73.6% to foreign trade, including 52.4% of exports and 78% of imports.
Bolotov also underscored the strategic importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, noting its critical role in strengthening both regional and international economic cooperation.
