Otunbayeva seeks broader co-operation with China

BISHKEK – Former Kyrgyz president Roza Otunbayeva proposed enhancing co-operation with China in the cultural, social and business spheres April 27.

Trade between China and Kyrgyzstan in 2011 reached US $5m, Otunbayeva said, adding that Kyrgyzstan should benefit from being a neighbour to China. According to Otunbayeva, many young Kyrgyz are interested in learning Chinese and this year Kyrgyzstan will open a consulate in Guangzhou.

Otunbayeva has established the “Roza Otunbayeva Initiative” fund to support such efforts.

Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Wang Kaiwen said his country is interested in Kyrgyzstan’s energy and infrastructure spheres, specifically, construction of new roads and railroads, as well as hydropower plants.

Urumqi, China, will host a “China-Eurasia” international exhibition September 1-5, and Kyrgyz companies will be able to make business connections there, he added.