The second day of the strategic seminar for the staff of Regional Investment Council (RIC) Secretariats, representatives of the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency, and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic focused on a key topic: defining the strategic role of RICs in regional economic development and shaping their value proposition for key stakeholders.

At the heart of the day's discussions were several critical questions: why is it important for businesses and investors to engage with RICs; what is the real value and uniqueness of RICs; and why should government bodies view RICs as reliable partners.

Seminar participants emphasized that entrepreneurs expect RICs not only to assist in addressing immediate issues, but also to provide support for the implementation of long-term investment projects. In this regard, RICs can offer businesses institutional support, help remove regulatory barriers, promote initiatives at both the regional and national levels, and establish effective communication channels with government authorities.

Throughout the sessions, participants explored which areas of activity should become priorities for RICs in the near future. Discussions primarily focused on such areas as initiating regulatory changes, supporting investment projects, developing consulting services, and enhancing analytical capabilities. It is essential that all of these tools serve a common goal: building trust in RICs among the business community and strengthening the Council's role as the primary entry point for investors and entrepreneurs at the regional level.

The use of business modeling approaches during the seminar helped participants systematically analyze the types of value that RICs should create for different stakeholder groups — including businesses, investors, government authorities, and society at large. Particular attention was given to practical case studies and the development of positioning models for RICs in specific regions.

The session was moderated by Azamat Dikambaev, an expert in strategic planning and financial management with many years of experience in major companies.

The seminar is being held within the framework of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency.

A three-day strategic seminar aimed at strengthening the professional capacities of the Secretariats of the Regional Investment Councils (RICs), as well as representatives of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center under the National Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, has been launched in Issyk-Kul.

At a time when regional development and private sector support are becoming key priorities of government policy, the role of the RIC Secretariats is growing significantly. Their mission today goes beyond supporting individual business inquiries — they are expected to actively contribute to shaping a sound investment climate, foster effective dialogue between government and the business community, and provide expert recommendations on the implementation of investment projects, including public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives.

In this context, the seminar marks an important step toward enhancing the effectiveness of RICs’ work at the regional level. By building stronger skills in financial analysis and strategic planning, participants will be better equipped to assess project sustainability, understand real financial risks, and develop well-grounded recommendations for both public authorities and businesses.

The first day of the program was dedicated to fostering a systematic understanding of financial reporting. Participants engaged in practical exercises in analyzing balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. The focus was not only on technical analysis skills but also on how to correctly interpret financial data when evaluating investment projects and preparing conclusions for the Investment Council.

The seminar is being conducted in an interactive format, with participants analyzing real-world cases, discussing practical examples, and exchanging experience with one another. This approach not only enhances their theoretical understanding but also helps build practical skills that can be immediately applied in their day-to-day work.

The session is moderated by Aзамат Dикамбаев, an expert in strategic planning and financial management with many years of experience working with large corporations and investment projects.

The seminar is organized within the framework of a tripartite cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic.

On June 5, an introductory meeting was held in the city of Karakol between the team of the Regional Investment Council (RIC) for Issyk-Kul region and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Alexandra Solovieva.

During the meeting, the RIC Secretariat team was presented:
— Mirlan Sabyrov – Head of the Secretariat,
— Aigerim Nurbekova – Public-Private Partnership and Economic Affairs Specialist,
— Timur Zhumabekov – Legal Affairs Expert.

The team outlined key goals and plans focused on the region’s sustainable development. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening partnerships with local authorities, business associations, civil society institutions, and international organizations.

The RIC Secretariat was introduced as an open and effective platform for dialogue, problem-solving, and promoting initiatives. Participants discussed the potential for organizing meetings with local business representatives to:
• identify the main challenges in the business environment;
• assess the potential for involving businesses in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects;
• select ready ideas for launching small-scale PPP initiatives with further support and consultation;
• compile a list of systemic issues to bring to the agenda of upcoming Council meetings.

An important topic raised was the legal support of entrepreneurs — with emphasis on expanding access to legal consultations for small and medium-sized businesses.

Priority areas highlighted during the meeting included:
• support for youth entrepreneurship,
• strengthening the role of public councils,
• advancing green initiatives and sustainable solutions in the context of the green economy.

The launch of RIC Secretariats is being implemented as part of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Regional Investment Council (RIC) Secretariat has been officially launched in Osh region. This new structure aligns with the priorities outlined in the National Investment Strategy, aimed at strengthening regional development, improving the business climate, and advancing public-private partnerships (PPPs) as tools for modernizing infrastructure and public services.

Osh region holds strong economic potential: its strategic geographic location, developed trade, agri-industrial base, and vibrant entrepreneurial activity make it a key driver of growth in the south of the country. At the same time, there remains substantial room for improving the local business environment — through better engagement with government authorities, more systematic support measures, increased awareness of financial instruments, and stronger coordination of promising initiatives at the national level.

It is in response to these needs that the RIC Secretariat is being established — not as a temporary initiative, but as a long-term mechanism for supporting investment projects and business development in the region. Its core mission is to foster a stable, results-driven dialogue between entrepreneurs and the state, facilitate investment project implementation, expand the use of PPPs, and enhance the ease of doing business at the local level.

The Secretariat was introduced to the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Osh region, Iliyaz Tashbaev. The team was presented by Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers. The regional Secretariat will be led by Taalaybek Azimov, a specialist with experience in economics and private sector development.

It is especially important to highlight the contribution of Iliyaz Tashbaev, whose initiative led to the revival of the Regional Investment Council in Osh. On April 12, 2024, a milestone session was held in the city of Osh to relaunch the RIC’s activities, gathering representatives of government bodies, the business community, and international partners. This event became the starting point for the systematic rollout of public-private dialogue mechanisms across the regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Today’s presentation of the team is a logical continuation of this effort. The Secretariat is not merely a coordination unit, but a full-fledged center of expertise and a trusted partner for the business community. Entrepreneurs will be able to access consultations on legal, tax, and investment matters, receive support for PPP initiatives, and promote their projects at the national level.

This initiative is implemented under a tripartite cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency. The work is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as part of broader efforts to strengthen the business climate and foster sustainable public-private dialogue.