The development of the early childhood education system is key to sustainable socio-economic growth in the Kyrgyz Republic. As President S. N. Japarov has repeatedly emphasized, "The well-being of our society depends on how well we ensure that our children receive the right upbringing and deep education." This priority is reflected in a number of regulatory acts, including the Cabinet of Ministers' decree "On Measures of State Support for the Development of Early Childhood Education." According to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, in 2023, only 28.3% of children had access to preschool education services, and work is currently underway to increase this figure.

On September 24, a meeting was held at the office of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on the development of proposals and consolidated solutions for a public-private partnership (PPP) model for advancing early childhood education in the Kyrgyz Republic. Following the discussions, a decision was made to establish an advisory group aimed at developing effective PPP models designed to improve infrastructure and increase access to early childhood education in the country.

Key issues discussed during the meeting included the shortage of places in preschools, outdated educational facilities, and a lack of qualified teachers. It is planned that through the PPP framework, private capital will be attracted to address these challenges and create sustainable conditions for the future development of the early childhood education system.

The advisory group includes the PPP Center, the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Social Partnership Fund for Regional Development, the Association of Children’s Educational Organizations, and IFC. Joint efforts by government agencies and the private sector will focus on developing recommendations for the implementation of pilot projects in the coming years.

This initiative marks an important step toward improving the quality of early childhood education in the country, ensuring access to education for all children, and demonstrating how PPP mechanisms can be an effective tool for addressing key public priorities within budgetary constraints.

Today, on September 20, we celebrate Entrepreneur's Day – a day dedicated to those who, through their hard work and innovative ideas, make a significant contribution to the development of our country's economy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kyrgyz Republic are a vital sector that creates jobs and supports economic growth. According to the National Statistical Committee, in the period from January to June 2024, SMEs accounted for 39.9% of the country's total gross value added.

The Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic continues to support entrepreneurs by creating favorable conditions for doing business.

You are key contributors to the country's economic growth. We value your commitment to development and are here to support you in your future endeavors.

With best wishes,

Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic!

A recent meeting was held between the UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and the Secretariat of the Investment Council. The ICPSD is currently in the process of developing the SDG Investor Map Kyrgyzstan, an initiative designed to guide and attract investments in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This process involves close collaboration with stakeholders across various sectors to share preliminary findings and gather valuable insights on local needs and opportunities.

The SDG Investor Map aims to be a comprehensive tool that will help mobilize investors by pinpointing specific business models that not only align with government priorities but also promise a sustainable impact. It will provide in-depth market intelligence and data-driven business models, focusing on five key sectors: infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, and waste management. This detailed approach is expected to highlight areas of high potential and guide investors toward opportunities that can drive both economic growth and social progress in Kyrgyzstan.

The Investment Council continues to play a critical role in this endeavor, coordinating efforts among stakeholders, providing direct access to decision-makers, and facilitating discussions to overcome potential barriers. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Investment Council is committed to enhancing the investment climate and ensuring that projects align with both national priorities and sustainable development goals.

The Secretariat team held a working meeting with the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Batken region, Timur Mysirovich Madyarov. The main topic of discussion was the organization of the upcoming off-site meeting of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers, which will be held as part of the second Batken Investment Forum "Batken Development – Country Development 2," scheduled for October in Batken city.

During the meeting, key agenda items were discussed, including the presentation of Batken region's unique investment opportunities, which will attract the attention of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the business community, investors, and international partners to the region's promising investment projects.

Holding an off-site IC meeting within the Forum creates a unique platform for open and constructive public-private dialogue. This is an important opportunity for the local business community to directly interact with representatives of central government authorities.

In addition, several Forum events will be held in parallel with the meeting, such as panel discussions, B2B, and G2B meetings. These interactions will lay the foundation for signing cooperation agreements and memorandums, which will contribute to attracting investments and strengthening interregional partnerships.

We are confident that this event will promote the development of Batken region's investment potential and contribute to the formation of a favorable investment climate both within the region and beyond. The consolidation of efforts between business and government will lead to significant results in the region's economic development.