Preschool education is one of the key factors in human capital development and social stability. However, in the Kyrgyz Republic, this sector faces significant challenges, including a shortage of kindergarten places, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient funding, particularly in remote areas. President Sadyr Japarov has also highlighted this issue, stating: "In 2025, the government will allocate financial resources to support preschool education for children living in mountainous and remote areas of our country, as well as for children with disabilities and those from low-income families."

Given this context, it has become essential to explore effective mechanisms for attracting private investments into the preschool education sector, including through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

On February 4, an online meeting was organized by the Secretariat of the Investment Council, focusing on developing PPP models for preschool and school education. The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, IFC in the Kyrgyz Republic, the PPP Center, and experts from the Secretariat.

During the meeting, participants discussed the possibility of IFC providing technical assistance in developing sustainable financial models for kindergartens and schools. The discussion also emphasized the need to attract private investments, expand the network of preschool institutions, and establish effective cooperation mechanisms between the public and private sectors.

As a result of the discussions, IFC confirmed that it will continue reviewing the possibility of providing technical support for the development of PPP models in preschool education, considering both international experience and Kyrgyzstan's specific needs. The Ministry of Education and Science outlined its key priorities, including the necessity of establishing new kindergartens based on sustainable financial mechanisms. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of the Investment Council has launched the process of further discussions involving all stakeholders and will continue coordinating efforts to develop optimal solutions.

This work is ongoing, and the Secretariat will keep stakeholders informed about further steps in advancing PPP initiatives for preschool education.

Expanding the kindergarten network through PPP could become a vital step in addressing existing challenges, ensuring quality education and equal access for all children in the country.

On January 29, the team of the Secretariat of the Investment Council continued its regional engagement in Issyk-Kul, a region with immense potential for the development of year-round tourism, agriculture, and the processing industry. Led by Uluk Kydyrbaev, the Secretariat’s delegation held meetings with the administration of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Issyk-Kul region and representatives of the local business community.

The first half of the day was dedicated to discussions with Daniyar Arpachiev, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Issyk-Kul, and Askat Azarbekov, Head of the Administration. The talks focused on investment project implementation, improving conditions for entrepreneurship, and strengthening public-private partnerships (PPP). Special attention was given to enhancing the investment climate and supporting initiatives for sustainable regional development. The Secretariat also discussed its role in assisting with the region’s development strategy, particularly in refining the investment section in collaboration with the National Investment Agency (NAI) and the PPP Center.

Following this, the team met with Aibek Saparbekov, Chairman of the Karakol City Council, to discuss the city’s designation as a tourism destination and the steps required to fully leverage this status. As part of this effort, the parties agreed to organize training programs to standardize hospitality services, including hotel and restaurant standards, to enhance the region’s appeal to visitors.

In the second half of the day, the Secretariat engaged with local entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses. The discussions highlighted key challenges such as access to financing, logistical barriers, and opportunities for developing export-oriented projects. Participants shared proposals to boost economic activity in the region, including a review of the effectiveness of regional development funds to ensure targeted financial support. Another key issue raised was the need to prioritize funding for preschool education facilities, as early childhood development projects often receive less attention compared to other investment priorities.

The visit to Karakol reaffirmed the region’s economic potential and the importance of fostering an enabling environment for businesses and investors. These regional visits are part of a joint initiative by the Secretariat of the Investment Council, the PPP Center, UNDP, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at supporting key projects and improving investment conditions across the country.

Naryn region, strategically located on the border with China, holds significant potential for the development of cross-border trade, the agro-industrial complex, and tourism. On January 24, 2025, the team from the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic conducted a series of meetings aimed at fostering collaboration between government authorities and the business community in the region.

Led by Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat, the team met with the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Naryn region, Altynbek Ergeshov, his deputy Adyl Saparov, and specialists responsible for the work of the Regional Investment Council (RIC). Discussions focused on key regional development priorities, including the implementation of investment initiatives and public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Special attention was given to creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurship in this promising region.

The second half of the day was dedicated to engaging with representatives of the local business community. The discussions addressed pressing issues faced by entrepreneurs, such as access to financing, logistical barriers, and the potential for developing export-oriented projects. The team also met with Taalaibek Karpekov, General Director of "Khan Tengri Naryn" LLC, who shared his experiences and provided valuable recommendations to boost the region's economic activity.

The visit to Naryn reaffirmed the region's immense potential for attracting investments and implementing projects within the framework of PPPs. The strategic location of the region, bordering China, opens up new opportunities for international collaboration, particularly within the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, offering exciting prospects for trade and economic partnerships.

These visits are part of a joint initiative by the Secretariat, the PPP Center, UNDP, and EBRD, aimed at improving investment conditions and enhancing public-private dialogue at all levels across Kyrgyzstan’s regions.

On January 23, 2025, the team from the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic visited Jalal-Abad as part of their regional working trip. The primary goal of this visit was to enhance collaboration between government authorities and the business community and to support key regional investment initiatives.

The first meeting was held with representatives of agricultural enterprises, including partners of the "Agrosooda" project. Discussions focused on the project's achievements in developing the agricultural sector and addressed the need to expand farmers' access to financing, improve infrastructure, and create new opportunities for local producers.

In the afternoon, the team met with Nurlan Ermatov, First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Jalal-Abad, and specialists from relevant departments. The discussions centered on regional priorities for attracting investments, launching the Regional Investment Council (RIC), and improving mechanisms for collaboration between local authorities and entrepreneurs.

During the meeting with agricultural stakeholders, the positive impact of the "Agrosooda" project on supporting local farming enterprises was highlighted. Emphasis was placed on expanding access to funding for farmers and identifying new markets for agricultural products to boost the sector’s growth.

Discussions with local authorities focused on practical steps for establishing the RIC, with particular attention to the Plenipotentiary Representative’s role in involving the private sector in the dialogue. Priority areas were identified, including the launch of new investment initiatives, infrastructure development, and simplifying administrative procedures to support local businesses.

These visits are part of a joint initiative between the Secretariat of the Investment Council, the PPP Center, and UNDP to strengthen public-private dialogue and support the implementation of PPP projects across regions.