BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. In the modern
world, where geoeconomic ties are rapidly being restructured,
states are looking for ways to diversify foreign policy and access
new markets. For Central Asian countries, which lack direct access
to the sea, this means the need to establish reliable logistics
chains. In this context, strengthening ties with major transit hubs
such as Egypt and the ports of the Suez Canal is becoming
practically important for expanding export opportunities.
In recent years, President Sadyr Zhaparov has pursued a policy
aimed at reducing reliance on a limited number of trade routes and
expanding partnerships beyond traditional markets. This strategy of
economic openness and efforts to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s position
in international logistics have laid the groundwork for engagement
with regions such as Egypt, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The official visit of Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov to
Egypt on November 4–5, 2025, at the invitation of President Abdel
Fattah el-Sisi, is regarded as a significant milestone in the
advancement of bilateral relations. As the first-ever visit by a
Kyrgyz head of state to Egypt, the trip itself is expected to draw
heightened attention to economic cooperation and generate political
momentum for future agreements.
The economic context underscores the visit’s importance. In
2024, Kyrgyzstan’s total foreign trade exceeded $16 billion, with
approximately $4.99 billion (around 31 percent) originating from
EAEU countries and $11.05 billion (approximately 69 percent) from
other regions. Notably, imports from non-EAEU countries
substantially surpassed exports by nearly 3.7 to 4 times, resulting
in a significant trade deficit and rendering the economy vulnerable
should established trade routes be disrupted.
The emphasis on finding new routes and partners reflects
Zhaparov’s strategy for diversifying foreign trade. Bishkek is
actively promoting the idea of Kyrgyzstan’s participation in global
transport corridors, where Egypt can become not just a partner, but
a link between Central Asia and the African and Mediterranean
markets.
Trade between Kyrgyzstan and Egypt remains limited. In 2023,
Kyrgyzstan’s exports to Egypt totaled approximately $1.62 million.
The main export items included aircraft and helicopters (around
$773,000), refined petroleum products (approximately $760,000), and
select aviation components ($39,000). Imports from Egypt amounted
to roughly $3.03 million, primarily comprising packaged medicines,
food products, and citrus fruits. The nature of Kyrgyzstan’s export
items appears atypical and may reflect re-exports or statistical
anomalies – factors that should be taken into account when planning
future trade strategies.
Egypt possesses the Suez Canal and developed port
infrastructure, making it a potential vital maritime hub and access
point to the markets of North Africa and the Mediterranean.
However, success in the maritime part of the route depends on how
well the land sections operate. It is necessary to ensure that
transshipments through Caspian ports, ferry lines, rail and road
links, as well as transit procedures in intermediary countries, do
not slow down the process. Otherwise, speeding up the sea leg will
not compensate for delays at transfer points.
Such complex logistics require political will, and it is
precisely Zhaparov’s consistent diplomatic activity in recent years
– from strengthening ties with Türkiye, Iran, and the Persian Gulf
countries to reaching out to the African continent – that makes
such negotiations possible. Kyrgyzstan, which was previously rarely
considered a participant in global maritime routes, is now becoming
an active player in the discussion of transit corridors.
Therefore, the priorities include agreements on investment
protection and double taxation avoidance to attract Egyptian funds
to projects in Kyrgyzstan. Agreements on the mutual recognition of
phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, the digitization of
transit document exchange, and the implementation of cargo tracking
systems are also needed. Coordination between customs and ports
will help synchronize schedules and speed up transshipment.
By 2030, two plausible scenarios for trade development can be
envisaged. In the first scenario, the parties implement practical
logistics agreements, partially remove phytosanitary barriers, and
initiate the digitization of transit processes. Such measures would
facilitate a noticeable increase in agricultural and food exports
and support sustainable trade growth. In the second scenario, the
parties attract substantial investment in transshipment capacities
across the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Egyptian ports, modernize
ferry lines, and establish bilateral financial instruments. While
this approach could yield significant trade expansion, it would
necessitate considerable funding, time, and coordinated efforts
among multiple countries and companies.
The primary objective of the Cairo visit extends beyond
fulfilling a diplomatic milestone; it aims to initiate phased
efforts to transform bilateral relations into tangible trade and
logistics channels. This initiative represents a direct
continuation of President Zhaparov’s strategy to integrate
Kyrgyzstan into new markets and reduce reliance on a limited number
of routes. Only through a combination of political agreements,
concrete logistics solutions, and targeted investments can
Kyrgyzstan expand export opportunities and enhance economic
stability.
