During the visit, special focus was given to advancing trade and economic cooperation. In this regard, a delegation from the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS), headed by Director Eldor Aripov, along with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and the Exporters’ Association of Uzbekistan, met with the leadership of the Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Development Fund.

The participants emphasized that the Fund, established at the initiative of the two countries’ Presidents, has become an important instrument for implementing joint initiatives and a driving force for deeper industrial cooperation.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the Management Board of the Fund, Aziz Aaliev, noted that the institution plays a key role in financing joint investment projects and has delivered solid results. To date, 37 projects worth $60 million have been approved for implementation, and total investment, including co-financing, has reached $100 million.

During the constructive dialogue, the parties discussed ways to improve the Fund’s effectiveness and unlock its potential. Particular attention was given to adapting the institution to changing market conditions by streamlining internal procedures and expediting the approval of project applications.

The delegation then met with more than 50 Kyrgyz and Uzbek business representatives across a wide range of sectors, including trade, construction, financial services, and industrial cooperation.

During the discussion, the participants noted with satisfaction the high level of partnership across all areas, the consistent removal of barriers, and progress toward creating a common economic space. At the same time, they identified considerable untapped potential for further cooperation.

Amid Kyrgyzstan’s construction boom, which recorded 21 percent growth last year, participants highlighted strong demand for construction specialists and the need to simplify migration regulations to meet market needs promptly. They also noted a rapid increase in cross-border travel. Of the 9 million Central Asian tourists who visited Uzbekistan in 2025, more than 3.3 million were citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.

A similar trend is evident in Kyrgyzstan, where business ties are expanding, and the number of business trips is steadily increasing. In this context, Kyrgyz airlines expressed interest in launching flights to cities in Uzbekistan, particularly Khiva, Samarkand, and Fergana. It was emphasized that despite a substantial increase in weekly flights, from three to more than 40 compared with previous years, demand remains high.

Transport and logistics issues were also discussed separately. In light of growing demand in the Kyrgyz market, business representatives emphasized the need to expand the freight vehicle fleet to ensure prompt delivery of goods. Current issues related to tourism and bank financing were also addressed.

All these issues were addressed to achieve the strategic target set by the leaders of both nations: boosting bilateral trade to $2 billion. The participants highlighted their confidence that the significant potential for industrial collaboration, combined with the historically friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, offers a strong basis for advancing integration efforts across Central Asia.