- Registration date2026-06-12
1. First Korea–Kyrgyzstan Trade and Investment Cooperation Committee
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Bae Jun-hyoung, Director General for International Trade Relations, held the first meeting of the Korea–Kyrgyzstan Trade and Investment Cooperation Committee with Mederbek Tumanov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, in Bishkek on June 12, 2026. At the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation tasks and future work across trade and investment, official development assistance (ODA), critical minerals, industrial cooperation, business cooperation, and other areas.
On trade and investment, the two sides welcomed the recent growth in bilateral trade and agreed to create favorable conditions to expand two-way investment and strengthen industrial cooperation. They also agreed to support Korean companies entering the Kyrgyz market and promote business exchanges through the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) trade office in Bishkek, which is being prepared for opening within 2026.
On development cooperation, the two sides reviewed the results of MOTIR’s technical guidance project for Kyrgyzstan’s textile sector and discussed future ODA cooperation, including a digital transformation (DX) technical guidance project scheduled to begin in 2026. The project will support the digitalization of Kyrgyzstan’s transport infrastructure and textile and apparel industry, expand technical exchanges between the two countries, and help build a stronger basis for Korean companies to enter the local market.
On critical minerals, the two sides identified potential for cooperation on promising mineral resources in Kyrgyzstan, including antimony and tungsten. They agreed to share information on mineral resources, policies, and prospective projects, and to review possible cooperation in sustainable mineral development and processing technologies over the medium to long term.
On business cooperation, the two sides focused on key issues Korean companies raised in the course of advancing business projects in Kyrgyzstan. The Korean side asked the Kyrgyz government for its close attention and support in maintaining a predictable and favorable business environment, so that Korean companies can continue investing and operating in the country under stable conditions.
2. Meeting with Kyrgyzgeology Vice President
Director General Bae then met with Tynchybek Uulu Ryskul, Vice President of State Enterprise Kyrgyzgeology. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, particularly high-potential mineral resources in Kyrgyzstan, including antimony, tungsten, and rare earth elements. The two sides shared the view that stable and diversified critical mineral supply chains are important and agreed to continue cooperation between relevant organizations from both countries in exchanging mineral resource information, identifying project opportunities, and strengthening exploration capabilities.
3. Roundtable with Korean Companies Operating in Kyrgyzstan
Director General Bae also attended a roundtable to support Korean companies operating in Kyrgyzstan at the Korean Embassy in Bishkek, together with Ambassador Kim Kwang-jae. At the roundtable, he exchanged views with Korean companies on expanding their presence in the Kyrgyz market and advancing their business projects in the country. He noted that MOTIR will continue to strengthen communication with Korean companies operating in Kyrgyzstan and work with the Korean Embassy, relevant ministries, and related organizations to support the stable progress of their business projects and help them achieve concrete results.
“Bilateral trade between Korea and Kyrgyzstan is expanding rapidly, and Kyrgyzstan is an important economic cooperation partner for Korea in Central Asia,” Director General Bae said. “Building on this visit, we will continue close consultations with the Kyrgyz side to deliver tangible cooperation results across trade and investment, critical minerals, ODA, and business cooperation.”
MOTIR plans to develop the cooperation tasks identified during the visit and deliver concrete bilateral outcomes ahead of the Korea–Central Asia Summit in September.