Kyrgyzstan plans to become a major regional e-commerce and logistics hub within the next four to five years, Marsel Salakhunov, president of the Cross-Border E-Commerce and Logistics Association, told journalists at the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Forum.

According to Salakhunov, Kyrgyzstan aims not only to facilitate the transit of goods produced in China through its territory but also to develop its own logistics services, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kabar.

“Today, Kyrgyzstan is doing everything possible to achieve this,” Salakhunov said. He noted that President Sadyr Zhaparov had given clear instructions to the government and business community to transform Kyrgyzstan into a major regional e-commerce and logistics hub within four to five years.

“We must not only process goods produced in China but also provide logistics services. This includes processing, packaging, labeling, and many other processes from which Kyrgyzstan can profit today,” he said.

Salakhunov emphasized that one of the key tasks is removing barriers that hinder the development of trade between Kyrgyzstan, China and other Central Asian countries.

“Today, there are many challenges that both sides, both the government and the business community, must address. In particular, this includes the recognition of Kyrgyz certificates in the Chinese market, the recognition of digital signatures, the synchronization of legislation regulating trade relations between our countries, and many other issues,” he said.

Salakhunov also noted that the Chinese market remains a priority for Kyrgyzstan.

According to him, resolving these issues would expand trade opportunities and facilitate the entry of Kyrgyz products into the Chinese market.