Kazakhstan, Astana, 10 April / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
Bishkek has hosted a Kazakh-Kyrgyz business forum, initiated with the assistance of the Kazakh Embassy by the National Agency for Export and Investment Kaznex Invest under the Ministry of Industry and New Technology of Kazakhstan jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan.
The Kazakh delegation included representatives of 21 companies from the engineering, pharmaceutical, food, chemical, construction and other industries. The Kyrgyz side was represented by about 100 business communities and associations, as well as a number of ministries and agencies.
Speaking at the forum, Minister of Economy and Antimonopoly Policy of Kyrgyzstan Temir Sariyev noted that "Kazakhstan is one of the largest economic and trade and investment partners of Kyrgyzstan". For example, in 2011 the trade turnover between the two countries almost doubled compared to the previous year to amount about $700 million, while the total investment of Kazakhstan to the present time is more than $1 billion, including $150 million in Kyrgyz banking sector.
"I believe that in the near future, the banking sector will remain a priority, as the creation of mortgage programs is planned," said the Minister.
Sariyev also said that his Government is doing everything to ensure the security and transparency of the business, so the country declared a moratorium on all types of audit.
A representative of Kaznex Invest, Askar Arynov, said that the event is for the first time is held in Kyrgyzstan, and "its main purpose is to give new impetus to enhancing trade, economic and investment relations between two friendly states," calling on the representatives of Kyrgyz businessmen to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and Kazakh companies to actively open in Kyrgyzstan representative offices and joint ventures.
As part of the business forum bilateral meetings between representatives of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz enterprises were organized and a presentation of Kazakh goods made.