On December 16, 2024, a seminar was held in Bishkek to discuss the implementation of the state investment policy, improving the investment climate, and stimulating investment attraction. The event brought together over 150 participants, including representatives from ministries, government agencies, local authorities, business associations, international organizations, and investment funds.

Participants discussed mechanisms for implementing the state investment policy, developing public-private partnerships (PPPs), adopting innovative technologies, and improving investment infrastructure.

- Special attention was given to the activities of regional investment councils and the launch of investment hubs aimed at attracting investors to the regions.
- Case studies highlighted the development of free economic zones FEZ, PPP projects, and digital solutions designed to simplify interactions with investors.

- Plans include launching new joint initiatives aimed at sustainable development, improving the investment climate, and attracting international investments to key sectors of the economy.

The seminar served as an important platform for strengthening partnerships, exchanging experiences, and discussing the prospects for advancing investment policies, which play a key role in the economic growth of the Kyrgyz Republic.

As part of the seminar on state investment policy, a session was held focusing on the development of investment hubs and the implementation of innovative approaches to attract investors.

Cholpon Asakeeva, a Public-Private Partnership Specialist at the Secretariat of the Investment Council, presented international experience in creating investment hubs. In her presentation, she highlighted best practices that can be adapted to meet the needs of Kyrgyzstan's regions.

"Today, London serves as a global center for business, finance, technology, and education. It offers diverse opportunities for businesses, including specially designed strategies for attracting foreign investments and promoting domestic companies on the global market," noted Asakeeva.

Azem Akmatbek, a Legal Specialist at the Secretariat of the Investment Council, emphasized the importance of legal foundations for the successful operation of investment hubs.

"Global experience demonstrates that the creation and development of investment hubs require legal stability and transparency. One successful example is the Singapore model, where investments are effectively attracted through clear regulations, robust legal mechanisms, and guaranteed protection of investors' rights. We aim to implement similar approaches to enhance the appeal of Kyrgyzstan's regions for investors," said Akmatbek.

Participants also discussed how the implementation of innovative tools such as the "Single Window" system and the AIS "Investments" platform can improve the efficiency of state-business interactions and support regional Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.

As part of the seminar on implementing state investment policy and improving the investment climate, a session was held dedicated to the interaction between the government and investors. The session focused on the work of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Regional Investment Councils (RICs) under the plenipotentiary representatives of the President in the regions.

Almazbek Obosbekovich Musabekov, Chief Economic Expert of the Secretariat, presented a brief overview of the Council's activities and key achievements.
“We must offer investors well-prepared projects. It is also necessary to develop an effective mechanism for state support of strategically important projects for the country. At the national level, the National Investment Agency (NIA) works with major investors, while in the regions, we need to support and accompany small and medium-sized business projects,” Musabekov noted.

Bakytbek Talaybekovich Samakov, Chief Legal Expert, discussed the goals and objectives of the Regional Investment Councils (RICs).
“In the Osh and Issyk-Kul regions, new council compositions have been formed, and new regulations have been approved. Starting from 2025, each region will have at least three experts working,” Samakov shared.

The speakers emphasized that transparent dialogue and trust between the state and business are fundamental to sustainable economic growth and are vital tools for attracting direct foreign investments.

Today, December 16, a seminar titled “Implementing State Investment Policy through Improving the Investment Climate in the Kyrgyz Republic and Stimulating Investment Attraction” began in Bishkek. The seminar is designed for the heads of ministries, administrative agencies, plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the regions, local state administrations, and city mayors. The event is organized by the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The seminar aims to deepen the knowledge and skills of leaders in the field of state investment policy, improve the investment climate, and facilitate practical engagement with investors. Participants will explore legal aspects, mechanisms for protecting investor rights, tools for public-private partnerships (PPP), and discuss successful cases of regional investment attraction.

Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council, emphasized the importance of the seminar’s topics:
“The theme of our seminar, focused on the implementation of state investment policy and improving the investment climate, is extremely relevant to the sustainable economic growth of our country. Today, we face important tasks of attracting investments, creating a favorable business environment, and strengthening trust between the state and business.”

Zhalyn Zheenaliev, Deputy Director of the National Investment Agency, highlighted the critical role of investments in the national economy:
“Investments have always been and remain a key factor in the development of the national economy. In the first 10 months of 2024, the country's GDP reached $12.6 billion, with a growth rate of 9.6%. These results demonstrate significant progress in improving the business climate and creating conditions for attracting direct foreign investments.”

Alexandra Solovyova, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, stressed the need for a comprehensive approach:
“We are confident that sharing experiences will help us all discover new approaches and find effective ways to further improve the investment climate. The introduction of innovative mechanisms such as the ‘Single Window’ and the use of the ‘Investments’ automated information system, along with the practice of successful interactions between state agencies and private investors, including through Regional Investment Councils, is critical.”

The seminar program includes plenary speeches, expert sessions, demonstrations of innovative tools, and a presentation of the Sustainable Development Goals Investor Map, developed with UNDP support. This tool aims to identify key investment opportunities that contribute to the realization of national priorities.

Expected outcomes: Participants will acquire practical skills and knowledge that will enable them to effectively promote sustainable economic development and improve the investment climate in their regions.