Iran and Kyrgyzstan are entering a new chapter in their economic partnership, with high-level commitments to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. This renewed focus on economic ties was underscored during the recent 14th meeting of their Joint Economic Committee in Tehran, held from April 26 to 29, 2025. Discussions spanned trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, technical services, and more, involving senior officials from both sides, including Iran’s Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Kyrgyz Economy and Commerce Minister Bakyt Sydykov. At the heart of this push is a shared recognition that the current trade volume—estimated at $106 million—is far below the actual potential. Both countries view the current growth rate, while positive, as insufficient. They see untapped opportunities in sectors ranging from logistics to farming, and in value-added industries where joint investments could yield significant returns for both economies. Ghadir Ghiafeh, deputy head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), stressed the urgency of establishing banking and financial frameworks that can facilitate trade and investment flows. He cited the lack of clear financial mechanisms and institutional coordination as key impediments to economic progress. Speaking alongside his Kyrgyz counterpart, Mamadsadek Bekirov, Ghiafeh advocated for stronger collaboration between their chambers of commerce, particularly in guiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to realize bilateral trade goals. Ghiafeh also highlighted the strategic significance of Kyrgyzstan’s membership in the World Trade Organization and its geographical location near China. He pointed to potential advantages in re-exporting Iranian goods via Kyrgyzstan to neighboring Chinese markets. Additionally, he underlined the importance of logistical cooperation, arguing that investments in transportation infrastructure could reduce trade costs and improve efficiency. Another pivotal development is the impending implementation of the Iran-Eurasian Free Trade Agreement, set to come into force on May 15, 2025. Ghiafeh described the agreement as a “turning point,” particularly in enabling Iran and Kyrgyzstan to integrate their markets with the broader Eurasian region. The agreement could enhance predictability in tariffs, open up new trade corridors, and attract foreign investment by reducing economic friction between member states. Bekirov, Vice President of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce, echoed these views and advocated for balanced trade that benefits both sides. Acknowledging that the current trade surplus favors Iran, Bekirov emphasized the need for a more equitable exchange and greater information-sharing to help businesses understand one another’s markets better. He recommended setting up a joint Iran-Kyrgyzstan chamber of commerce and opening trade centers in Tehran and Bishkek to promote business connectivity. He also emphasized the importance of participation in trade fairs and reciprocal visits to foster deeper business ties. The 14th Joint Economic Committee meeting laid the groundwork for several key agreements. It coincided with Iran’s 7th Export Capabilities Expo (EXPO 2025), which provided a platform for networking between Iranian exporters and visiting Kyrgyz business leaders. A major outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a joint investment committee, signaling a move toward long-term strategic planning and execution. Other agreements included joint ventures in fish farming, animal feed production, and quarantine measures for agricultural products. There were also discussions on port access, export facilitation, and integration into the International North–South Transit Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is a multi-modal network linking India, Iran, and Russia via Central Asia, offering Kyrgyzstan a chance to access southern maritime trade routes through Iranian ports. Minister Nouri emphasized the need for economic cooperation to match the strong political relations between the two nations. He noted that cultural affinity, shared values, and mutual respect could act as soft-power tools for building trust and expanding cooperation in sectors such as energy, sports, and education. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran times