Bishkek, Nov. 28, 2025 /Kabar/. On November 26, 2025, the Third European Union – Central Asia Economic Forum was held in Tashkent. It brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, and the business community to discuss priority areas of economic interaction and strengthen cooperation between the countries of the region and the European Union.
During the first plenary session, "Promoting Prosperity," Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Iskender Asylkulov presented Kyrgyzstan's experience in implementing an electronic system for managing the order of freight vehicles at border crossings. He noted that the Kyrgyz Republic is consistently developing a transparent, predictable, and service-oriented customs administration system. "The implementation of a domestic electronic queuing system at border crossings has already demonstrated high effectiveness, it has eliminated truck congestion and ensured orderly movement thanks to pre-registration, distribution in the waiting area, and strict adherence to queues. This has enabled us to transition from chaotic waiting to predictable and planned border crossings," he said.
During roundtable discussion on regional cooperation, the Deputy Minister emphasized the strategic importance of digitalizing trade processes. "Kyrgyzstan attaches strategic importance to digitalization and trade facilitation as key tools for enhancing regional connectivity and competitiveness. Our country is consistently promoting paperless cross-border trade and strengthening regional cooperation, as evidenced by Kyrgyzstan's re-election as Chair of the UNESCAP Paperless Trade Council and the launch of number of joint initiatives in Central Asia. "The implementation of projects for the electronic exchange of data, certificates, and trade documents creates the foundation for faster, more transparent, and more secure trade processes. Kyrgyzstan is ready to continue playing active role in shaping modern regional digital environment and promoting integration solutions," he noted.
The forum also included a bilateral meeting between Iskender Asylkulov and Marek Mora, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), organized by the Trade Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade with the active support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The parties discussed promising investment projects in the country. The EIB expressed interest in expanding cooperation and announced its intention to send a delegation to Kyrgyzstan in January 2026 to thoroughly study the projects and agree on further steps for their implementation.
Kyrgyzstan's participation in the forum confirmed its commitment to deepening its economic partnership with the European Union, promoting digital solutions in trade, and strengthening investment cooperation.