Russia and Kyrgyzstan discussing localization of light automobile and truck production - Russian Industry and Trade Ministry
CHOLPON-ATA. Aug 14 (Interfax) - Russia is prepared to localize production of light automobiles and trucks in Kyrgyzstan as well as directly exporting them, Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Roman Chekushov told journalists at the sidelines of the Russian-Kyrgyz Economic Forum.
"We are currently seeing this trend across the globe - automobile manufacturers producing both light automobiles and trucks raising investments and building production sites in the countries and markets where they want to sell. And Kyrgyzstan, of course, is no exception. We therefore expect that there will be several discussions on the possible localization of Russian automobile manufacturing on site [at the forum] today," he said.
"We have some good expertise in the production of light automobiles and trucks. We are definitely prepared to agree on a series of supply contracts today. And we are also discussing localization, to be sure, because that will allow us to build on our expertise here in Kyrgyzstan," Chekushov said.
During the forum on Thursday, JSC VTK Kamaz signed a memorandum with Kyrgyzstan's Partner Neft LLC on the planning and implementation of an investment project to supply the latter company with a $690,000 tanker truck. Other parties to the memorandum will include the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund and OJSC Aiyl Bank.
Chekushov said that along with other high-tech industries, imported and exported engineering products could drive an increase in trade between the two countries in future and that this indicator had already grown 18.2% in January-May 2025.
"And we expect to be able to improve on last year's results substantially at the end of this year. I believe that technological goods are the future in the development of trade relations between our countries. We can see investment and industry developing in the Kyrgyz Republic - in energy and, without a doubt, engineering. We expect these high-tech goods to enter the Russian market with time," Chekushov said.
He also said that the presence of online marketplaces Wildberries and Ozon on the Kyrgyz market had made a significant contribution to the increased goods turnover between the countries and that he expected trade in this area to multiply still. He also said that Kyrgyzstan should consider using services from the Yandex ecosystem, which could also help develop trade.
