Today, August 9, the Regional Investment Council meeting in Issyk-Kul Region concluded. The two-day event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from the business community, government agencies, international organizations, media, and civil society.

The meeting addressed key issues related to the long-term prospects and development opportunities for Issyk-Kul Region. Special attention was given to the development of a regional investment plan and a roadmap that will serve as a foundation for sustainable economic growth in the region.

Participants discussed the current state and future directions for public-private partnerships (PPP), with a focus on the transformational infrastructure of PPPs and their impact on the region’s economic development. Successful projects and initiatives that are already contributing to the improvement of the investment climate and attracting new investments to the region were also presented.

One of the key aspects of the meeting was the further enhancement of the local business ecosystem. Measures to improve the conditions for entrepreneurship and stimulate economic activity in the region were discussed.

The Regional Investment Council meeting confirmed the strong interest of participants in the joint development of Issyk-Kul Region and collaboration to achieve common goals. Participants agreed to further strengthen partnerships and continue working on the implementation of strategically important projects aimed at improving the well-being of the region and its population.

The meeting was organized by the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Issyk-Kul Region in cooperation with the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the Kyrgyz Republic.

On August 9, 2024, during the morning session of the second day of the Regional Investment Council meeting in Issyk-Kul Region, several significant projects and initiatives were presented. These projects are aimed at supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing economic development across the region.

Agricultural Sector Support

Torgul Bekov, Director of the Center for Agribusiness Competitiveness, presented key projects supported by the World Bank. These initiatives include sustainable agro-food clusters and dairy productivity enhancement, providing essential equipment and services to thousands of farmers​.

Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund Initiatives

Aziz Aaliev of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund highlighted projects approved by the fund, such as the construction of a small hydroelectric power station and leasing equipment for local businesses, which are expected to modernize regional industries​.

Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund Contributions

Adilet Erkinov detailed the impact of the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which has financed over 3,000 projects. The fund’s investments in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure have significantly contributed to the region's economic growth​.

Regional Development and Social Partnership

Askat Madumarov, from the Fund for Social Partnership for Regional Development, presented projects aimed at creating mini-plants for safflower oil production and wool processing. These projects are designed to add value to local agricultural products and create new income opportunities for rural communities.

Export Development and Halal Industry

Damira Askarbekova, Head of Export Development at the Kyrgyz Export Center, discussed the export potential of Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural products and the strategic importance of expanding into international markets .

Almaz Kairbekov, Director of the Halal Industry Center, presented on the growing demand for halal products and the opportunities for Kyrgyz producers to tap into this expanding global market.

These presentations collectively emphasized the critical role of continued investment in the agricultural sector and the development of regional economies. The diverse range of projects and international partnerships showcased during the session underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals for the Issyk-Kul region and beyond.

During Session of the Regional Investment Council, held on August 8, 2024, in Sary-Oy village, participants were introduced to the investment and economic opportunities of Issyk-Kul Region's districts. The presentations were aimed at attracting investments to the regions, developing tourism, and advancing the agro-industrial complex.

Ak-Suu District presented opportunities for the development of agriculture, particularly in potato and vegetable cultivation, with significant potential for exporting products to neighboring countries. The district also has potential for industrial and energy development, including the construction of hydropower plants on local rivers.

The presentation from Jeti-Oguz District highlighted investment opportunities in tourism, including the construction of ski resorts and guesthouses. Additionally, investment projects in the energy sector were presented, including the construction of small hydropower plants and a brick factory.

Issyk-Kul District showcased projects in eco-tourism and cultural tourism, as well as opportunities for investing in sports tourism and infrastructure development. The district offers unique conditions for organizing winter and summer sports, as well as cycling and hiking routes.

Ton District presented its investment opportunities with a focus on agriculture and tourism. The district has significant potential for fruit and vegetable cultivation, as well as the creation of processing facilities. Additionally, prospects for developing eco-tourism and agro-tourism were discussed, including the construction of tourist bases and eco-parks, which would contribute to job creation and infrastructure improvement.

Cholpon-Ata, being the region's tourism center, offers a wide range of opportunities for developing tourism infrastructure, including beach and mountain tourism, eco-tourism and retreats, as well as investments in the agro-industrial sector.

These presentations confirmed the high potential of Issyk-Kul Region for attracting investments and developing a sustainable economic environment, contributing to both the well-being of the population and enhancing the region's tourism appeal.

During the first meeting of the Regional Investment Council under the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Issyk-Kul Region, several key Memorandums of Cooperation were signed, marking significant steps forward in fostering partnerships aimed at regional economic development.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Center for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the National Investment Agency:

This agreement focuses on establishing long-term collaborative relationships to enhance the business environment and investment climate in Kyrgyzstan. The parties committed to working together on initiatives that include promoting entrepreneurship, improving legislative frameworks, and advancing PPP mechanisms to drive socio-economic development.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Secretariat of the Investment Council and the Center for Climate Financing under the Cabinet of Ministers:

This memorandum outlines the collaboration on climate change initiatives and the mobilization of financial resources from international climate funds. The agreement aims to address environmental challenges through sustainable investments and to integrate climate adaptation strategies into the national economic policy.

The signing of these memorandums reflects the commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic to foster strong partnerships between government institutions, private sector entities, and international organizations. These collaborations are seen as essential to driving forward the nation's economic and environmental goals, particularly in the context of sustainable development and the creation of a favorable investment climate.

The Regional Investment Council meeting serves as a platform for these strategic partnerships, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving the broader objectives of regional growth and development.

The signing of these memorandums during the Regional Investment Council meeting marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private collaboration in the Kyrgyz Republic. These agreements are expected to pave the way for more robust and effective partnerships that will contribute to the sustainable development of the region.