Iran, Kyrgyzstan Target Coop. in Digital Technology, Creative Industries

Iran and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital technologies, creative industries and technology entrepreneurship, including through joint innovation projects, during a meeting on the sidelines of the fifth World Conference on Creative Economy in Indonesia, IRNA reported on Saturday. Esfandiar Ekhtiyari, deputy for policy and development at the Iranian presidential office for science, technology and the knowledge-based economy, met Benazir Nurlanova, Kyrgyzstan’s deputy minister of economy and commerce, according to the Kyrgyz National News Agency, as reported by IRNA. The two sides discussed ways to expand trade and economic cooperation, focusing on innovation, digital technologies, creative industries and technology entrepreneurship. Nurlanova outlined Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth, ongoing reforms to improve the investment climate, and progress in developing technology parks and creative industry parks. She also described the country’s potential in these areas.

Ekhtiyari praised Kyrgyzstan’s social and economic development and highlighted its progress in the creative economy. He expressed Tehran’s interest in drawing on Bishkek’s experience, particularly in the operation of creative industry parks. The Iranian official also emphasized the importance of the two countries’ fraternal relations and mutual respect. The two sides stressed the need to establish direct cooperation among technology parks, scientific institutions and business communities in Iran and Kyrgyzstan. They also agreed to expand bilateral cooperation through experience-sharing, support for technology startups and joint innovation projects. Preliminary data from Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistical Committee showed that bilateral trade with Iran rose 37% in 2025 to nearly US$80 million, including US$43.5 million in imports from Iran and US$36.3 million in exports to Iran. Both sides underscored the importance of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common interest. - Iran Daily