AKIPRESS.COM - Kyrgyzstan is planning to start direct flights to Pakistan in a bid to promote trade, investment and tourism links between the two countries, Tribune reports citing Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Pakistan Erik Beishembiev.

Talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Almas Hyder at the LCCI, the ambassador emphasised that direct aerial links between the two countries would improve two-way trade volume, which was very low at present. “We need to be connected,” he said. The envoy called relations between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan excellent which, he said, should be transformed into growth in trade and economic ties.

The ambassador said Kyrgyzstan was interested in the development of shortest and cheapest transportation links through its territory between Central Asia, China and Pakistan. “It is interested in access to Gwadar and Karachi ports by using rail and road networks, which are being laid under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” he pointed out.

LCCI President Almas Hyder suggested that both countries should work together for boosting the bilateral trade volume, which was below potential. He said direct flights should start as soon as possible in order to give a push to trade and economic relations.