Trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan, Iran hits over $44mln
By Abdul Kerimkhanov
The volume of trade between Kyrgyzstan and Iran amounted to more than $ 44 million, said Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Iran to the Kyrgyz Republic Ali Mojtaba Ruzbehani.
The ambassador believes that an increase in trade turnover indicates the strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan has increased the supply of meat and beans to Iran.
The ambassador expressed hope that some trade restrictions existing between the two countries will be eliminated and this figure will increase.
He complained that there are no interbank relations between the two countries and until they are established, businessmen will not invest their money in Kyrgyzstan.
“After the international sanctions were lifted, fortunately, good negotiations took place between the central banks of the two countries, and parties reached agreements on a specific document. This document has to be signed, but still was not. Until bank relations are established between the two countries, businessmen will not dare to travel with cash, and since it is difficult to transport money to Kyrgyzstan, therefore, there will be little trade”, the diplomat said.
He spoke in favor of opening air traffic between Kyrgyzstan and Iran.
The ambassador added that until today, no airline has agreed to establish a flight between the two countries.
“Air carriers believe that establishing direct flights is not cost-effective. We should think about how to increase mutual travel between the two countries and the peoples of the two countries. Both Iran and Kyrgyzstan have very good tourist potential. Iran has a very good medical and health potential that can serve the Kyrgyz people,” the ambassador concluded.
Diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Iran were established on May 10, 1992.
Since gaining state sovereignty and independence by the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently supported Kyrgyzstan, and in difficult times has repeatedly provided humanitarian assistance to the Kyrgyz people.
The state leadership of Kyrgyzstan and Iran advocates a common regional approach to resolving conflicts in the region by political means, as well as a joint, regional approach to solving the socio-economic, environmental, political problems of the region, strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding between representatives of various religious groups in the region.
The sectors of economy and agriculture of the two countries are complementary. Thus, Iran produces a lot of industrial, petrochemical and agricultural products necessary for Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan, in turn, is able to supply Iran with the necessary animal products, beans, peas and other products.
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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94
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