Qatar and Kyrgyzstan have the potential to increase trade and tourism links, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the State of Qatar H E Chyngyz Eshimbekov (pictured) told The Peninsula.
The Ambassador said that both countries have solid treaties in economic activities and several interest fields. According to the Ambassador, there have been several communications at different levels of government and ministries between both countries.
The Kyrgyz-Qatar joint intergovernmental commission on economic, trade, and technical cooperation was held in March 2017 in Doha. He stressed that Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector is an untapped area for Qataris and residents in the country.
“Tourism is an important part of our economy. Kyrgyzstan has a lot to offer, and the English Guardian recently listed Kyrgyzstan as one of the top countries to visit in 2021. It’s perfect for visiting during the summer, and we have halal products (for Muslim travellers), mountainous scenery, and more. It is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the summer heat to engage in biking and mountain trekking. We also have winter tourism with skiing centres, which people can explore,” the Ambassador said.
“Qataris are yet to discover the Kyrgyz Republic’s tourism and adventure travel secret. Kyrgyzstan has striking landscapes that make it the best destination for those who want to spend time riding through the picturesque mountain gorges, having a campfire retreat at a rapid riverbank, and falling asleep in a ‘yurta’ (a traditional tent) counting numerous stars on the night sky. But most of all, visiting people discover people, which makes tourism a promising bridge between Kyrgyzstan and Qatar,” he added.
The envoy noted that trade is another sector both countries aim to explore. He said that establishing an aviation route for direct flights between Doha and Bishkek would ease further trade and tourism with both governments’ cooperation.
“We still have work to do to increase trade, but we do have some successful Kyrgyz trade companies here because we are famous for ecologically green products. The primary product we bring here is honey, like the White Mountain Honey, which is famous here.
“We hope that with better transport communication and with the establishment of direct flights between the two countries, this will grow. We are positive that with the support of the two countries’ governments, the aviation lines will be open to facilitate trade, tourism, education, and more.”
The envoy said unlike other expatriate communities here in Qatar with a larger labour force, the Kyrgyz community of around 600 has the potential to grow. “We have a very talented and educated young generation, and most of the expats here are highly educated, and they speak English very well. But I think with the coming World Cup in 2022, more people from Kyrgyzstan can be employed in the Qatari economy.”
Ambassador Eshimbekov praised Qatar’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and thanked the government for the aid provided to Kyrgyzstan.
“Qatar was successful in handling the pandemic, with the measures in place and the introduction of Ehteraz, it was exemplary, and we have learned a lot from their methods. Qatar delivered a lot of aid during the peak of the pandemic. Kyrgyzstan is thankful for the aid delivered. They helped us with oxygen tanks and respiratory equipment. They also sent PPEs and other necessary items which were necessary to help ease the strain of the virus on our healthcare system,” he added.
