On November 15, 2024, the third concluding session of the Central Asia Women's Dialogue took place in Bishkek at the Ala-Archa State Residence. The Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic organized the event, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, UNDP, UN Women, and other key partners.

The head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Uluk Kydyrbaev, also took part in the event. During his presentation, Uluk Kydyrbaev spoke about existing national investment mechanisms and support for women's entrepreneurship in Central Asia. The Investment Council Secretariat actively supports initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, strengthening their role in the economy, and creating favorable conditions for their success.

The program of the event included discussions on supporting women's entrepreneurship, innovations, and the development of strategies to create a dynamic ecosystem in the region. The final session also included the ceremony of handing over the chairmanship of the Dialogue from the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Tajikistan.

Deputy Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Jamila Isaeva, noted that significant events had been held during the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic, laying a solid foundation for institutionalizing the Dialogue. She emphasized that the official website of the Dialogue was created, and social media pages were launched, which would guide the region towards stability, prosperity, and equality.

The Investment Council Secretariat continues to contribute to improving the investment climate and supports initiatives aimed at developing women's entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. We believe that the results of the Dialogue and the recommendations adopted within its framework will help accelerate the socio-economic development of Central Asian countries and create new opportunities for women.

The Secretariat of the Investment Council is pleased to share the news of the successful start of the Creative Industries Park (CIP) of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is a member of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. The topic of launching the Park and its support was actively discussed during our advisory group meetings. Today, we see the first significant achievements of the CIP.

The residents of the CIP have achieved revenue of 43.5 million KGS in their first quarter of operations. As noted by the Head of the Creative Industries Association, Daniyar Amanaliev, the Park unites 32 residents working in areas such as digital advertising, film production, IT products and services, podcasts, architecture, photography, and online education.

The amount of taxes paid in the first quarter reached 1.6 million KGS, and contributions to the Park’s management reached 435,000 KGS. These funds ensure the financial sustainability of the CIP, confirming that its operational model is viable without state budget support.

This success proves the significance and potential of the creative sector in the Kyrgyz Republic. We are confident that the CIP will become an engine of innovation, inspiring and supporting the development of creative industries in the country. Congratulations to all CIP residents on their first successful quarter, and thank you for your contribution to the development of the creative economy in the country!

On November 14, 2024, a meeting took place at the Secretariat of the Investment Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended by Zulfiqar Khan, Program and Grants Coordinator of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for the Improvement of Business Environment in Central Asia Program (IBECA). The meeting focused on the Central Asia Migration and Entrepreneurship Program (CAMEP) and its goals in the context of the current economic challenges in the region.

Central Asia has faced significant labor outflows to Russia for decades. Remittances from migrants make up a substantial part of the GDP in countries like the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since February 2022, with increasing pressure on migrants in Russia, a mass repatriation process has been observed — migrants are returning home, creating new economic challenges for the countries in the region.

The CAMEP program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by CIPE, aims to support the private sector in integrating returning migrants into the economies of Central Asian countries. It includes improving the business environment, developing entrepreneurial skills, and creating opportunities for migrants to become entrepreneurs and employers.

During the meeting, Uluk Kydyrbaev emphasized the importance of supporting returning migrants through entrepreneurship development and improving the business environment. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to support the private sector and create new jobs amidst the mass return of migrant workers. Particular attention was paid to program areas such as analyzing the needs of migrants and employers, improving the business environment, and individual skills development programs for returning labor migrants.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their hope for the successful implementation of the CAMEP Program and their willingness to continue collaboration aimed at integrating migrants and improving the business environment in the region.