Bishkek, February 22, 2025 – Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Head of the Presidential Administration Adylbek Kasymaliyev held an offsite meeting of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic as part of a business breakfast organized by the International Business Council.

The event was attended by representatives of more than 60 business associations, enterprises, and entrepreneurs who are members of the Investment Council, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting focused on key issues related to investment policy development, improving the business climate, supporting entrepreneurship, and reducing administrative barriers.

Adylbek Kasymaliyev emphasized the necessity of regular open dialogue between the state and the business sector to synchronize government actions and decisions in implementing policies for attracting investments, improving the business environment, and supporting entrepreneurship.

A number of business associations raised issues related to private property protection, support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises, improvement of the regulatory impact assessment mechanism, and compliance with legal act development procedures.

Particular attention was paid to digitalization of the economy, including the development of telecom infrastructure and the adoption of the Digital Code. Other key topics included facilitating access to financing for regional businesses, creating conditions for startups, supporting venture capital, and reducing the regulatory burden on entrepreneurs, including a moratorium on inspections.

During the meeting, entrepreneurs presented their recommendations for the development of key economic sectors, highlighting the need for a systematic approach from government agencies through enhanced public-private dialogue.

Decisions were made on all issues discussed. All recommendations presented will be included in the protocol of the offsite meeting, containing corresponding instructions for government agencies and departments.

The issues raised during the meeting will be incorporated into the work plans of the Investment Council and, if necessary, included in the agenda of subsequent Investment Council meetings.

The Secretariat of the Investment Council expresses its gratitude to the International Business Council for the prompt organization of the business breakfast and for providing the platform for the offsite meeting.

On February 22–23, 2025, a strategic session is taking place, dedicated to developing new mechanisms for implementing the investment policy of the Kyrgyz Republic. The event is organized by the National Investment Agency (NIA) under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in collaboration with 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) in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The goal of the strategic session is to develop effective mechanisms for implementing investment policy aimed at attracting investments to the regions, supporting small and medium-sized projects, including those initiated by youth and women, and strengthening coordination between government agencies and the private sector.

The session focuses on analyzing current investment policy tools, developing proposals to enhance the effectiveness of the NIA, defining the role of Regional Investment Councils (RICs) and urban RICs within the new architecture of investment policy, and formulating strategic recommendations for introducing new approaches and investment support programs at the municipal level.

The event program includes presentations on the current state and challenges of investment policy, discussion and working sessions to analyze existing instruments and develop proposals, summarizing outcomes, formulating strategic decisions, and drafting a roadmap for investment policy implementation.

The session is moderated by strategic planning expert Azamat Dikambaev.

Following the event, an analytical report will be prepared with recommendations for improving investment policy and enhancing the investment climate in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Bishkek, February 20, An International Conference was held to discuss recent amendments to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Customs Code and their impact on the e-commerce sector. The event was organized by the National Alliance of Business Associations (NABA) with the support of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, along with key industry associations and government agencies.

Customs Regulation Reform

During the conference, experts discussed the latest amendments to the EAEU Customs Code aimed at developing digital trade and reducing bureaucratic barriers. Representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) emphasized that the new regulations will facilitate customs procedures for online platforms and cross-border deliveries, which is particularly important for entrepreneurs in the Kyrgyz Republic.

"Global economic trends show that digitalization and e-commerce are becoming key drivers of economic growth. Today’s conference is not just about legislative changes but about creating new opportunities for businesses, improving logistics, and enhancing conditions for entrepreneurs," noted Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council.

E-Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic

According to the Kyrgyz Republic’s E-Commerce Association, in 2024, the e-commerce market volume reached $359 million, accounting for 6.35% of total retail turnover. Forecasts indicate that by 2028, this figure will grow to $595.7 million, with an annual growth rate of 14.3%. However, experts note that to fully unlock the potential of digital trade, it is essential to improve the regulatory framework and invest in logistics and digital platforms.

The conference provided a constructive platform for dialogue between government representatives, businesses, and international organizations. During panel discussions, specific proposals were put forward to simplify customs regulations and encourage the growth of e-commerce in the region.

The Role of the Investment Council

As a co-organizer of the event, the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic continues its efforts to create favorable conditions for investment and business. The Council’s Secretariat remains open to further discussions with government agencies and the business community to develop additional mechanisms for supporting e-commerce.

The construction sector plays a key role in the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, driving infrastructure development, job creation, and enhancing the country's investment attractiveness. The growth of this industry directly impacts the quality of life for citizens and the sustainable development of regions.

On February 18, an introductory meeting was held at the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic with representatives of the Public Association "International Builders Association", led by Chairwoman Ainura Sagyn. The delegation also included Vice Chairs and the Executive Director of the Association. From the Secretariat, the meeting was attended by Head of the Secretariat Uluk Kydyrbaev and experts.

The meeting focused on discussing the activities, objectives, and development plans of the Association within the construction sector. Representatives of the Association shared information about their current projects and the key challenges facing construction companies in the country.

Among the key topics highlighted were:

• Enhancing the regulatory framework;
• Improving conditions for attracting investments;
• Raising construction quality standards.

The parties explored possible solutions to these challenges, including the introduction of modern technologies and expanding collaboration between the public and private sectors. Plans for future cooperation were outlined, and it was agreed that the key issues affecting the construction industry would be raised on the Investment Council platform for further discussion and decision-making.

This meeting marked an important step in strengthening the partnership between government institutions and the construction industry. The Association expressed its interest in joining the Investment Council and emphasized its commitment to actively participating in discussions on construction sector development and improving the investment climate.

In turn, the Secretariat of the Investment Council reaffirmed its readiness to support initiatives aimed at advancing the construction industry and facilitate the implementation of projects that will contribute to economic growth in the Kyrgyz Republic.