On May 31, 2024, the Secretariat of the Investment Council of the Kyrgyz Republic participated in a significant financial forum in Bishkek, co-hosted by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Green Finance Centre. The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders from the financial sectors of China, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Chengdu, known for its robust economy and technological innovation, is a major financial hub in China. The city is famous for its thriving high-tech industry, financial services sector, and extensive infrastructure development. Chengdu's experience in fostering innovation and sustainable development offers valuable insights for the Kyrgyz Republic as it seeks to enhance its economic growth and investment landscape.

Agenda Highlights:

• Opening Remarks by Wang Fengchao, Mayor of Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, Choro Seyitov, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Daniyar Kelbetov, Chief Product Officer and Member of the Management Board of AIFC Authority.
• Report Launch by Aigul Kussaliyeva, Advisor of AIFC Green Finance Centre.

The forum aimed to discuss and promote green investment principles, strengthen regional financial cooperation, and explore new opportunities for sustainable development.

The discussions underscored the importance of green finance and sustainable investment practices in driving economic growth and development. Participants explored how Chengdu's economic model and innovative approaches could be adapted to the Kyrgyz context to enhance regional financial and investment ties.

The event concluded with a commitment to continue exploring collaborative opportunities and strengthening financial links to support sustainable regional development.

On May 30, 2024, an advisory meeting was held at the office of the Investment Council Secretariat under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting included representatives from the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, members of the Investment Council, representatives of the Union of Banks of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The meeting focused on implementing the points outlined in the 2024 Work Plan of the Investment Council, specifically providing assistance and support for opening direct correspondent accounts in US and European banks, and addressing issues related to blocked accounts of clients in Kyrgyz commercial banks.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening financial ties with foreign banks, improving conditions for local businesses, and enhancing the Kyrgyz Republic's investment attractiveness internationally. Specific steps for further action were outlined during the discussion.

On May 31, a working meeting occurred between Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Investment Council Secretariat, and Iliaz Tashbaev, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Osh Region. The meeting focused on further developing the Regional Investment Council (RIC) under the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Osh Region.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the institutional strengthening of the RIC Secretariat, the agenda for the next Council meeting, and new initiatives aimed at improving the region's investment climate and business environment.
This meeting was held as part of the regional forum "Interaction of Business, Education, Science, and Government Bodies: Opportunities and Ways for Regional Development," dedicated to the 85th anniversary of Osh State University.

On May 29, the Secretariat of the Investment Council, led by Uluk Kydyrbaev, held a meeting with the Representative of UN Women, Ulziisuren Jamsran, and the SDGs Partnership Coordinator, Azima Abakirova.

The parties discussed prospects for collaboration in implementing joint initiatives and activities aimed at promoting gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and youth. The goal is to encourage the private sector to improve performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and to adopt sustainable investment practices.

During the discussion, UN Women shared a range of initiatives and activities, including efforts to improve women's access to global capital markets, support women inventors and scientists, and enhance early childhood development. Both parties agreed that working together in these areas would create a synergistic impact, driving substantial progress towards gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and youth in the Kyrgyz Republic.

This collaboration opens up significant opportunities for achieving progress in promoting ESG criteria and sustainable investment practices in the private sector.