ISLAMABAD, July 26. /Dunyo IA/.  Pakistani newspaper “The Nation” has published an article titled “Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan: From neighbours to long-term economic cooperation”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Publication notes that in recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have become one of the most important tracks of regional cooperation in Central Asia, with the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation serving as the primary mechanism for intergovernmental coordination. Direct ties between regions are highlighted as a vital part of this framework: the Council of Khokims of Border Regions of Uzbekistan and Plenipotentiary Representatives of the President of Kyrgyzstan, established in 2017, was transformed into the Council of Heads of Regions of the Two Countries in 2025, and the first Interregional Forum is planned to be held in Uzbekistan.

According to the newspaper, the activity of business circles is also growing: in July 2024, the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Business Forum was held in Tashkent with the participation of 350 entrepreneurs, resulting in the signing of 20 documents totalling $213 million. Trade turnover at the end of 2025 reached nearly $1.2 billion, an increase of 36.4%, and in January–May 2026, it grew by 43.9% to $468.8 million. To sustain this momentum, the parties are implementing a program to expand mutual trade for 2024–2030.

“The Nation” highlights that investment cooperation relies on the mutual presence of both countries' businesses: 450 enterprises with Kyrgyz capital operate in Uzbekistan, and 85 enterprises with Uzbek capital operate in Kyrgyzstan, which, according to the publication, indicates a transition from simple trade operations to a more sustainable business partnership. The financial foundation for a number of initiatives is provided by the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund, whose portfolio includes projects in transport, finance, light industry, building materials and energy. Expanding the fund's project base and considering the possibility of Kyrgyz participation in its authorized capital, the publication assesses, could further strengthen the resilience of this financial mechanism.