ISLAMABAD: Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador Avazbek Atakhanov on Friday expressed disappointment over the modest $20 million trade volume between his country and Pakistan but remained optimistic about the potential to boost it to $500 million.

Avazbek Atakhanov, who served as deputy foreign minister before his appointment as ambassador to Pakistan, emphasised the potential for growth between the two nations. “Pakistan offers unique opportunities, from Gwadar to the Karakorams. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan’s economy has grown 2.5 times in the last four years. It’s remarkable. Imagine the possibilities both countries can seize together. This is the message wewant tosend our friends in Pakistan,” he said.

The ambassador was speaking at an event on “Tourism potential of Kyrgyzstan” held at the embassy. “We would like to be very close friends of Pakistan. Our ancestors were close once in some period in history. We must reopen our regions for improved relations,” he added.

Kyrgyzstan, which has a non-visa regime with 62 countries, is trying to ease visa policies to welcome more visitors.

“With Pakistani colleagues, we are trying to give more preference to businessmen and investors as well as tourists,” he said, adding Pakistan may have big challenges but at the same time the country is among the big and great nations of the world.

Second Secretary at the embassy of Kyrgyzstan Sanzharbek Amanbai gave a presentation on the tourism industry which made an important contribution to the development of the national economy of Kyrgyzstan and was an important bridge for strengthening and expanding friendly ties between peoples.

The official said Kyrgyzstan was sometimes called the “Asian Switzerland” because it was a beautiful mountainous country home to 7.3 million people who spoke Russian, English, Turkish and Arabic.

“Kyrgyzstan boasts unique natural beauty shaped by 22 diverse ecosystems and 160 distinct mountain and plain landscapes with 94 per cent of the country covered by mountains,” said Mr Amanbai as he extended an invitation to explore Kyrgyz culture, heritage and nomadic life.

A short film at the event portrayed Kyrgyzstan as a “heaven on earth.” It featured glimpses of the country’s nomadic life, its stunning mountainous landscapes dotted with emerald-coloured lakes and vibrant cityscapes and resorts, presenting Kyrgyzstan as an idyllic destination for trekkers, mountaineers and tourists alike.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024