Kyrgyzstan has launched exports of dried apricots to China, with the first 23-ton shipment dispatched on July 29. The delivery comes after Chinese authorities approved Kyrgyz dried apricots for import, following Kyrgyzstan’s successful compliance with Beijing’s sanitary and quarantine standards.
According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, this marks a significant step in expanding agricultural exports to China and sets the stage for broader trade in fruit and vegetable products.
The milestone follows the July 11 signing of a bilateral agreement to construct a food safety and quarantine laboratory in Bishkek. The facility will test agricultural goods destined for China to ensure they meet the country’s stringent import regulations.
Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobayev noted that Kyrgyz-Chinese trade grew by 44.7% in 2024, reaching $5.3 billion. Exports from Kyrgyzstan to China surged to $2.04 billion, representing a 93-fold increase compared to 2023.
Agriculture has emerged as a key area of bilateral cooperation. In 2024, trade in agricultural products between the two nations totaled $153.3 million, up by $33 million from the previous year.
Kyrgyz authorities are now seeking to expand the list of approved exports. Negotiations are underway to finalize four additional protocols with China, covering dried fruits, cattle hides, meat, and animal feed. These efforts aim to diversify Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural exports and enhance its position in the Chinese market.
Officials see China’s rising demand for agricultural imports as a major opportunity for Kyrgyz farmers and exporters, particularly as the country continues to invest in infrastructure and quality assurance systems to support trade growth.
