Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Trade: Zhambyl Region’s Trade Turnover Surges in the First Eight Months

According to a news release published on gov.kz on November 1, Governor Erbol Karashukeev reported the above figures at the Second Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Interregional Cooperation Forum in Bishkek.

What is the trade turnover between Zhambyl Region and Kyrgyzstan?

According to the regional government, trade turnover in January–August totaled US$112.7 million, rising year-on-year to 1.6 times the previous year’s level; exports totaled US$79.9 million, rising year-on-year to 1.9 times; and imports from Kyrgyzstan totaled US$32.8 million, rising year-on-year to 1.1 times. Zhambyl Region directly borders Kyrgyzstan, and the regional government says the region accounts for approximately 60% of the total length of the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border.

What projects are the two countries preparing to develop together?

According to the regional government, one of the most promising joint projects is the construction of an industrial, trade and logistics complex around the “Karasu” (Karasu) and “Ak-Tilek” (Ak-Tilek) border crossings, intended for joint production, agricultural product processing, warehousing and transportation, and trade. Korday District has already allocated 165 hectares of land for the project and is preparing a land-use planning project and land-title documents. It should be noted that the news release did not disclose the complex’s investment amount or commencement date.

What other areas of cooperation were discussed at the forum?

According to the regional government, the governor’s priority areas include industrial cooperation, agro-industrial complexes, transport and logistics, water resources, and tourism. The regional government says approximately 85% of Zhambyl Region’s irrigation water originates in Kyrgyzstan, making joint work in the Chu and Talas river basins important. The governor also proposed establishing a joint working group, holding regular business meetings and an annual interregional business forum, and creating a “single-window” mechanism for investors. The forum was attended by Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev.

Frequently Asked Questions

### How much did Zhambyl Region’s exports to Kyrgyzstan grow?
According to the regional government, exports totaled US$79.9 million in January–August, rising year-on-year to 1.9 times the previous year’s level.

### Where will the logistics complex be built?
According to the regional government, it is planned for the area around the “Karasu” and “Ak-Tilek” border crossings, and Korday District has already allocated 165 hectares of land.

### Where was the forum held?
According to the regional government, the Second Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Interregional Cooperation Forum was held in Bishkek.

### Is this story related to China?
According to the report, it did not mention Chinese companies, and no inferences are made here.

Further Reading

• More industry and policy updates: Kazakhstan Investment and Project News
• Cooperation with Kyrgyzstan: 14th Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Committee
• Foreign trade data: Kazakhstan Foreign Trade Data for January–August
• Establishing a project company in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan Company Registration Service

Sources

• Zhambyl Region Government (gov.kz), November 1: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhambyl/press/news/details/1321436?lang=ru

Illustration: AI-generated, not a real photograph.