On October 12, 2024, an off-site meeting of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic was held in Batken. The meeting took place as part of the second international investment forum "Development of Batken – Development of the Country 2," which brought together representatives from business, government, and international organizations. The main goal of the event was to explore new investment and partnership opportunities with the participation of local and foreign investors.

The forum and the meeting of the Investment Council focused on key issues such as regional trade, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, green economy initiatives, climate change adaptation, and cross-border economic cooperation. One of the key elements was the presentation of various investment projects that highlighted the potential of the Batken region.

“Considering that the meeting of the Investment Council is taking place within the framework of the II Investment Forum with broad participation of domestic and foreign investors, representatives of diplomatic missions, and development partners, the agenda of the meeting of the Investment Council includes presentations on the investment potential of the Batken region, models and conditions for investing, and the existing system of state and financial support for investors,” noted Kasymaliev Adylbek Alekseevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.

During the meeting, the investment opportunities of the Batken region were discussed, including presentations on the region's investment potential and several investment projects involving international investors from Russia, China, and Turkey. Additionally, tools for attracting investments for regional infrastructure development through public-private partnership mechanisms were reviewed.

Furthermore, information was provided on measures to support investment projects in the regions through interstate development funds. Participants received detailed information on the opportunities for obtaining support for investment projects through these funds.

The meeting was attended by heads of relevant ministries and agencies, members of the Fiscal Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, business associations, local and foreign investors, and representatives of international development partners. Following the meeting, a number of decisions were made on the issues discussed.

The off-site meeting was organized by the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Batken region, the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the EBRD in Kyrgyzstan, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), USAID AgroTrade Project, and GIZ in the Kyrgyz Republic.

On September 27, 2024, Uluk Kydyrbaev, the Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, participated in the VIII International Universal Exhibition-Fair "South Expo-2024" and the Investment Forum "Uniting Efforts on the Great Silk Road," dedicated to World Tourism Day.

During the investment forum, Uluk Kydyrbaev spoke at the panel session titled "Open Dialogue between Business and Government: Public-Private Partnership." In his speech, he highlighted the importance of public-private dialogue in creating favorable conditions for investors and protecting their rights. He also emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue in the regions, stating: "One of the key directions for Regional Investment Councils should be the creation of all necessary conditions for investors. Developing brands for each district based on their specialization in various sectors of the economy seems promising. Supporting local entrepreneurs, creating the necessary conditions for their work, and quickly resolving any issues that arise is our shared responsibility."

"South Expo-2024" brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, providing a platform for dialogue to foster sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses and the government, with a focus on the "Tourism on the Great Silk Road" program.

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!