Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Aim for $3 Billion in Trade by 2030

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to raising bilateral trade to $3 billion annually by 2030.

The target was underscored during the 13th meeting of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz Intergovernmental Council, held on November 13 in Astana and co-chaired by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The meeting covered a broad spectrum of cooperation, including trade, investment, water and energy management, as well as cultural and humanitarian initiatives.

Kasymaliev highlighted recent progress, noting that bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Direct investment from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan totaled nearly $64 million in the first half of 2025. “This demonstrates the Kazakh business community’s trust in Kyrgyzstan and the broad opportunities for new projects,” said Kasymaliev.

The Council identified priority areas to strengthen cooperation. Chief among them is the construction of an industrial, trade, and logistics complex near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek road checkpoints at the border. This facility is expected to become a major regional hub for cargo consolidation, processing, and distribution, advancing industrial integration between the two economies.

Another key project is the establishment of a wholesale storage and distribution center for fruits and vegetables in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region. This facility aims to secure uninterrupted agricultural trade between the two countries.

Bilateral trade in agricultural products surged by 42% in the first eight months of 2025, reaching $326 million. Over 80% of that trade volume comprised exports from Kazakhstan.

The sides also discussed potential supplies of Kazakh oil and motor fuel to Kyrgyzstan. The latter consumes about 1.6 million tons of motor fuel annually, with 93% imported from Russia. Fuel prices in Kyrgyzstan have climbed since mid-2025, driven by higher wholesale costs in Russia, linked to reduced refining capacity, damage from Ukrainian drone attacks, and sanctions-related difficulties in acquiring technological equipment.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan stressed the need to complete the ongoing reconstruction of three key border checkpoints, Kichi-Kapka-Besagash, Ak-Tilek-Karasuu and Karkyra-Kegen-which are expected to significantly facilitate cross-border trade.

The two countries are also prioritizing mountain tourism. Plans include reviving tourist routes to Khan Tengri Peak, a destination located on the border and shared by both states, offering mutual opportunities to boost tourism-related revenues.