BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 1. It is necessary
to optimize the operations of the Erkeshtam border checkpoint on
the Kyrgyzstan-China border, said Akylbek Japarov, the Chairman of
the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Japarov
made the announcement during a trilateral meeting with Prime
Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, and Member of the Politburo
of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and
Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region, Ma Xingrui.
“The issue of increasing the capacity of the Erkeshtam
checkpoint is relevant for both the Kyrgyz and Chinese sides, as
well as the Uzbek side. In this context, it is important for our
countries to increase the throughput capacity through the
modernization of checkpoints, expansion of territories, and
equipping with modern customs control facilities,” Japarov
said.
He noted that as part of the modernization of checkpoints,
modern inspection and screening complexes with high throughput
capacity of up to 125 vehicles per hour will be procured, and they
will be installed at the Erkeshtam and Torugart checkpoints in
2024.
Japarov added that the Kyrgyz side aims to increase the
throughput capacity through each of these checkpoints to 1000
vehicles per day.
During the meeting, the Kyrgyz chairman highlighted that
Xinjiang serves as a gateway to China for Kyrgyzstan. Historically
and due to its location, it has become such that Kyrgyzstan also
serves as a gateway to China in the direction of several Central
Asian countries.
“In this context, the project for the construction of the
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will have an invaluable
positive impact on the dynamic development of trade and economic
cooperation between the three countries,” Japarov said.
He noted that the technical and economic feasibility of the
project has been developed and approved.
According to Japarov, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Uzbekistan can
actively utilize the advantages of geographical proximity for the
development of cross-border e-commerce.
Akylbek Japarov arrived in Kashgar city of Xinjiang Uygur
autonomous region on February 29 for a working visit.