Visiting Fellow Program Report Appeals for Enhancing Cross-Border Trade: Insights from SMEs in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic

The Visiting Fellows Program Report titled “Drivers of Kazakhstan’s and Kyrgyz Republic’s Cross-Border Trade with China: The Voices of Businesspeople”, authored by Ms. Zalina Enikeeva, offers a focused examination of the evolving trade dynamics between Kazakhstan， the Kyrgyz Republic and China, with particular attention to the experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study identifies e-commerce as a promising driver of economic growth in the region, while pointing to persistent gaps in trade infrastructure and data transparency that continue to hinder cross-border commerce.

Ms. Enikeeva’s research finds that SMEs in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic are eager to expand trade ties with China but face a range of challenges—from bureaucratic inefficiencies to a lack of accessible and reliable trade data. To help address these barriers, the report puts forward several practical recommendations, including the establishment of a visa-free regime between the Kyrgyz Republic and China, improved systems for data collection and sharing, and increased outreach to raise awareness of trade opportunities among local businesses.

Beyond the economic data, the report emphasizes the broader need for stronger regional collaboration. By capitalizing on the strategic location of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic as key transit corridors, the study argues for a more coordinated approach to regional trade development. Such efforts could pave the way for greater economic integration and cooperation among neighboring countries. As Central Asia continues to navigate a shifting global trade environment, the insights from this study offer timely and actionable guidance for policymakers and business communities alike.