Efforts to enhance trade cooperation between KP, Kyrgyzstan urged

PESHAWAR: The business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kyrgyzstan envoy on Tuesday emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation in trade, hydropower generation, tourism, oil and gas and other economic sectors.

The two sides also stressed the need for intensified frequency of trade delegations.

They underscored this need during the visit of Kyrgyz ambassador Erik Beishembiev to Chamber House, main office of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here.

SCCI President Zahidullah Shinwari briefed the Kyrgyz diplomat on the opportunities being offered by resource-rich Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the occasion.

Honourary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Peshawar, Arbab Shabbir Ahmed Khan and first secretary of Kyrgyz embassy in Islamabad, Algozhoev Sanzhar accompanied the ambassador.

The SCCI chief informed the Kyrgyz envoy of the untapped potential of hydropower generation, hydel carbon, minerals, precious stones, marble, wood and other resources in the province.

He stressed the need for steps to increase trade between the countries and informed the ambassador that a delegation of the chamber would soon visit Kyrgyzstan to find ways and means to enhance mutual trade.

The SCCI chief informed the Kyrgyz delegation of the trade opportunities in the agriculture, construction, energy, information technology, steel, plastic goods, PVC pipes, furniture, textile and household goods.

He asked the Kyrgyz ambassador to help facilitate exports of these items which would benefit both sides.

Speaking on the occasion, Erik Beishembiev said that in terms of trade and economic cooperation Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan could come closer and they could promote trade with mutual efforts.

The two sides, he said, could enhance trade by removing impediments. The Kyrgyz diplomat said his country had taken keen interest in raising trade with Pakistan.

He agreed to the proposal of the SCCI chief for an exchange of trade delegations and said the honourary consulate in Peshawar would facilitate the business community.

He invited the local business community to take advantage of the trade and business opportunities available in Kyrgyzstan.