The Kyrgyz-Turkey Business Forum Opens a New Chapter in Economic and Trade Cooperation between Central Asia and the Turkic World

At the Bishkek conference table, 77 specific articles outlined a new blueprint for economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. The two Turkic-speaking countries are reshaping the economic landscape of Central Asia through deep economic and trade integration.

On September 18, 2025, the Kyrgyz-Turkey Business Forum was successfully held in Bishkek. Turkish Vice President Devdeit Yilmaz and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adyrbek Kasimaliev jointly signed the 12th Joint Economic Commission Protocol.

This action plan, containing 77 specific articles, provides a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, industry, energy, transportation, agriculture, education, healthcare, and culture.

The forum defined the trade targets for the two countries: US$2 billion in the short term and US$5 billion in the medium term. This goal is a concrete implementation of the commitment made by the two heads of state at the 2024 meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Committee in Bishkek.

01 Blueprint for Economic Cooperation

Commercial cooperation between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan is rapidly advancing on an institutionalized track. The signing of the 12th Joint Economic Committee Protocol marks a new phase in bilateral economic cooperation.

The agreement covers a number of key areas, including trade, industry, energy, transportation, and agriculture. The agreement is specific and pragmatic, including a 77-article action plan that provides a joint roadmap for deepening bilateral relations.

The two countries have set clear trade volume targets: $2 billion in the short term and $5 billion in the medium term. These goals are based on the commitments made by Turkish President Erdoğan and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the 2024 meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Bishkek.

Vice President Yilmaz emphasized at the forum that both Ankara and Bishkek are determined to achieve the trade goals set by their leaders.

02 Turkey's Investment Footprint

Turkey has become a key economic partner of Kyrgyzstan. Data shows that Turkey currently ranks fifth in direct investment in Kyrgyzstan.

Turkish businesses have a significant presence in Kyrgyzstan: over 2,000 Turkish companies operate in the country, with a total investment of approximately $2 billion.

Turkish contractors have completed approximately 95 projects in Kyrgyzstan, with a total value of approximately $1 billion. These projects span a wide range of sectors and have contributed to Kyrgyzstan's infrastructure development and economic development.

In terms of trade, Turkey ranks eighth among Kyrgyzstan's export destinations and sixth among its import sources. This trade pattern demonstrates the close economic ties between the two countries, with room for further deepening.

03 Mining and Industrial Cooperation

Mining cooperation was a highlight of the forum. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in the mining sector, including rare earth and critical minerals.

Kyrgyzstan is rich in mineral resources, with 17 rare earth deposits identified and approved for development by the European Union.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov invited Turkish companies to join: "For example, at the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit, there are over 20 million tons of titanomagnetite reserves. The EU is willing to purchase any amount of these metals. We need innovative technologies to develop the deposits without damaging the environment."

The two countries also plan to establish a joint industrial park in Kyrgyzstan. This initiative will promote industrial agglomeration and industrial development, creating jobs and technology transfer in Kyrgyzstan.

04 Digital and Technological Cooperation

The digital economy has become a new area of ​​cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. According to the agreement, the two countries will hold a Kyrgyz-Turkish IT conference, which will be held during the Kyrgyz IT Forum.

Partnership includes strengthening collaboration in software, start-ups, and digital investment. This initiative aims to promote exchanges and cooperation in high-tech fields between the two countries.

The two sides also pledged to cooperate in smart cities, digital transformation, and e-government. This collaboration will help Kyrgyzstan improve governance efficiency and service levels.

To streamline trade processes, the two countries agreed to digitize road transport transit documents to reduce bureaucracy. This measure will significantly improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.

05 Transportation and Energy Cooperation

Transportation and energy infrastructure are key areas of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, currently under construction in Kyrgyzstan, will further unlock the potential of regional transportation and transit logistics.

Turkey has expressed interest in Kyrgyzstan's transportation projects. In 2021, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Investment and the Turkish company Sky Ray signed a memorandum of understanding to build a monorail system in Bishkek.

According to the original plan, the monorail system would be built 5-7 meters above ground level, with a total length of 37 kilometers and 31 stations. Monorail trains would accommodate 150-180 passengers. However, the project was stalled due to technical adaptability issues and funding difficulties.

In the energy sector, Kyrgyzstan boasts abundant energy resources, offering significant potential for bilateral cooperation. Turkish companies may participate in Kyrgyzstan's energy development projects.

06 The Platform Role of the Business Forum

This business forum provided an important platform for exchange between the business communities of the two countries. Vice President Yilmaz stated that the forum provided a platform for the two countries' business communities to explore new opportunities.

Participants included business representatives from a wide range of sectors in both countries, who used the forum to establish connections and explore cooperation opportunities.

Similar business forums have become a regular mechanism for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. In February 2024, the Kyrgyz-Turkey Business Forum was held in Ankara, attracting over 500 companies.

A series of business contracts and a "roadmap" were signed following the forum, providing continued impetus for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

07 Regional and Global Perspectives

From a regional perspective, Kyrgyz-Turkish cooperation transcends the bilateral sphere. Vice President Yilmaz emphasized that the "win-win" approach to cooperation between the two countries in energy, trade, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture will benefit the entire region.

Cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey is also an important component of cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries. The two countries agreed to continue coordination on international platforms, support each other's nominees for various positions, and interact within Turkic national organizations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan stated that the development of bilateral relations is inextricably linked to the "unshakable bond between the two countries." In January 2024, the two sides signed a work plan for 2024-2026, the culmination of the efforts of the sixth Joint Strategic Planning Group meeting.

Globally, Kyrgyzstan-Turkey cooperation represents a model of cooperation between emerging economies, achieving common development through economic complementarity and cultural ties.

The Kyrgyz-Turkey Business Forum is not only a gathering of businesses from both countries, but also a bellwether for regional economic cooperation.

With the implementation of 77 specific measures, the two countries will forge a closer partnership in areas such as energy, mining, and digital technology.

As Kyrgyzstan's fifth-largest direct investor, Turkey is transforming the local economy through over 2,000 companies and $2 billion in investment. Bishkek, in turn, is optimizing its investment environment and facilitating the development of Turkish businesses.

This cooperation model, anchored by specific projects and backed by institutional safeguards, is becoming a new paradigm for economic collaboration among emerging market countries, injecting sustained momentum into regional economic development.