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Ambassador: Growing trade between Kyrgyzstan, Belarus inspires optimism
Ermek Ibraimov
MINSK, 30 October (BelTA) – I positively assess the trends in the trade with Belarus over the past few years, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan Ermek Ibraimov said during a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.
The outgoing Ambassador Ermek Ibraimov thanked the head of state for the opportunity to meet: "For me personally, it was important to meet with you, to report on what has been done in 4.5 years, before I leave for Bishkek. I will also report on this issue in Bishkek."
The diplomat noted that he fully shares the opinion of the Belarusian president on bilateral trade. Indeed, when looking at the absolute figures, they may not seem so large, but in relative indicators, there is a positive trend: $160.2 million in 2022 (an increase of almost 65% over 2021) and $103.3 million in January-August of this year (up by 24% year-on-year). "If we look at the relative figures, the percentage of growth, the trade inspires some optimism," the ambassador said. "Considering the fact that this trend continues…"
"Are you saying that over the past three years our trade has increased by 2.5 times?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked. "That's true."
Despite the recent difficulties due to the sanitary and epidemiological situation, the countries managed to maintain the positive momentum in trade and economic relations, the ambassador told the media after the meeting with the head of state. This year, in his opinion, the trade between Belarus and Kyrgyzstan may exceed $200 million. The parties seek to develop ties in the manufacturing sector, in particular, the transport and logistics sector, which Kyrgyzstan focuses on. Work has begun in the country to build a railway that will connect China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
"We are now working with Belarusian Railways on the design of some sections of this rail line," Ambassador Ermek Ibraimov explained. “Belarus has extensive experience in this realm. The total length of the rail exceeds 10,000km, and most importantly, Belarus has the ability to design and carry out a significant part of contract work. Belarus has a well-established railway management system, and this is what we are most interested in today."
Speaking about his personal attitude to Belarus, Ambassador Ermek Ibraimov admitted that it is with some sadness that he is leaving the country. "In the 4.5 years that I have been here, I have made many friends, I have fallen in love with your country. I share the opinion when they say that it is impossible not to love Belarus," the ambassador said, adding that most of all he likes Belovezhskaya Pushcha, where he has been more than once. In his future activities, the diplomat also intends to contribute to the development of relations between Kyrgyzstan and Belarus.
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