Recently, Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, met with a delegation of Japanese professors led by Prof. Maeda, Director of Foreign Affairs at the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technologies (AIIT). The discussion focused on areas of mutual interest, including: 

• Developing a carbon credit market in the Kyrgyz Republic.
• Introducing circular economy technologies to support SME sustainability and ESG integration.
• Building trade links between local agro-food associations and Japan's Association for Asian Food Environment Sustainability to promote fruit exports 

 As a first step, the Secretariat and AIIT agreed to jointly develop an investment proposal for a carbon credit market and identify a lead business entity for implementation.

 This partnership aims to combine the natural resources, advanced technologies and rich traditions of both nations to promote sustainable growth, innovation and investment attractiveness of the Kyrgyz Republic.

On April 8, 2025, the city of Talas hosted the latest stop of the “Business Enlightenment Caravan”, bringing together over 120 participants for an open dialogue between entrepreneurs and government representatives.

The event was launched with welcoming remarks from the Director of JIA Talas Branch, the Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Chief of Staff of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Talas Region, and a representative of the State Tax Service.

Participants were briefed on inspection procedures for MSMEs, key changes to the Labor Code, and the conditions and types of state-provided insurance. One of the most discussed topics was the mandatory insurance of residential properties against fires and natural disasters. The audience actively engaged with questions on compensation mechanisms, including coverage during a 6-magnitude earthquake.

Panel discussions highlighted the role of local authorities in business support and regional PPP development, along with tourism strategies adapted to regional specifics. The 2025–2030 national tourism program was presented, calling on government bodies to increase investment in the sector.

Representatives from development funds and state banks shared available financial tools for MSMEs, while entrepreneurs had the opportunity for one-on-one consultations throughout the day.

A particularly active session focused on recent amendments to the Tax Code. Entrepreneurs proposed a unified regional tax regime and streamlined administration for bean exporters. Concerns were raised about farmers’ difficulties in submitting required procurement documents and the need for greater transparency from intermediaries. Participants also suggested creating a public rating system for tax inspectors based on the quality of consultations, enabling businesses to choose who to work with.

Additional topics included the use of cash registers (KCM), the patent system, zero reporting procedures, and taxation of food service establishments. Suggestions were made to simplify the liquidation process for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, and to expand digital payment solutions.

 Parallel to the panel sessions, entrepreneurs could receive individual consultations in the theater's foyer. Consultation zones were organized with representatives from development funds, state banks, and insurance companies.

The event format included expert presentations, Q&A sessions, and individual meetings. This approach allowed not only for explanations of current legislative changes but also for highlighting real challenges faced by business representatives on the ground.

The next stops of the Caravan: Tokmok — April 10, Kara-Balta — April 15, Bishkek — April 16.

The campaign is organized by the JIA Business Association and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the President in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance, the Center for Public-Private Partnership under NAIA, the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Land and Water Oversight Service under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, the EBRD, the OSCE Program Office, UNDP, and the Center for Business Support..

On April 3, 2025, the city of Karakol hosted the next stage of the “Business Enlightenment Caravan” initiative. The event brought together more than 150 participants, including entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, banks, and relevant institutions from the Issyk-Kul region. The goal was not only to inform about available state support measures but also to establish direct dialogue between businesses and government authorities.

Grants, Loans, and Green Opportunities

Entrepreneurs were introduced to new financing programs from Aiyl Bank and Eldik Bank. These included loans with interest rates ranging from 0% to 10% per annum, support for the agro-sector, agricultural equipment leasing, women's entrepreneurship, and environmentally sustainable initiatives such as:

• “Aiyl Charba – 13” (up to 50 million KGS, 10% p.a., up to 7 years);
• “Ishker-Aiym” (up to 3 million KGS, 16% p.a.);
• Green technology funding — for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture projects.

Conditions for accessing budgetary loans from the Regional Development Fund (RDF) were also explained. These loans are targeted primarily at the agro-industrial complex and sustainable regional businesses.

Tourism as a Regional Growth Engine

A presentation by the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce generated particular interest. Participants learned about the approved National Program for Sustainable Tourism Development until 2030 and the state classification system for tourist sites, including the rating of yurt camps and other facilities.

It was noted that 40 pilot tourism sites across the country have been selected for development, including several in the Issyk-Kul region. Karakol is expected to play a key role as one of the flagship locations in the “Kyrgyz Courchevel” concept aimed at enhancing guest experience, safety, and infrastructure.

Tax Questions in the Spotlight

Many of the participants raised questions about taxation, including zero-revenue declarations, legalization of goods stored in warehouses, and tax application to locally produced or processed agricultural goods. Real-life examples were shared where farmers, lacking insurance coverage, had to cover loan debts themselves in the face of losses.

Open Dialogue and Key Initiatives

Representatives of the Secretariat announced the upcoming launch of Regional Investment Council Secretariats under plenipotentiary representatives. In addition, Mayor Timur Mysyrovich Madyarov informed participants about the creation of a dialogue platform at the Mayor’s Office, where he will co-chair alongside a representative from the private sector.

Daniyar Karagulovich Arpachiev, First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Issyk-Kul region, supported the idea of expanding platforms for regular engagement with entrepreneurs.

Proposals were also voiced to improve access to insurance products for persons with disabilities, including potential discounts and benefits.

What’s Next?

As in other regions, the goal of the Caravan is not only to inform but also to collect feedback, identify challenges, and propose improvements to the business environment. All comments and suggestions from entrepreneurs will be consolidated and submitted to the relevant authorities and the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers.

Parallel to the panel sessions, entrepreneurs could receive individual consultations in the theater's foyer. Consultation zones were organized with representatives from development funds, state banks, and insurance companies.

The event format included expert presentations, Q&A sessions, and individual meetings. This approach allowed not only for explanations of current legislative changes but also for highlighting real challenges faced by business representatives on the ground.

The next stops of the Caravan: Karakol — April 3, Talas — April 8, Tokmok — April 10, Kara-Balta — April 15, Bishkek — April 16.

The campaign is organized by the JIA Business Association and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the President in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance, the Center for Public-Private Partnership under NAIA, the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Land and Water Oversight Service under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, the EBRD, the OSCE Program Office, UNDP, and the Center for Business Support..

On April 1, 2025, the city of Naryn hosted the “Business Enlightenment Caravan,” a large-scale event that brought together more than 200 entrepreneurs and active citizens of the region. The focus was on real opportunities for business development, along with presentations of new grant and loan programs aimed at fostering sustainable regional growth.

In addition to explanations on legislative changes, taxation, and labor relations, participants were introduced to concrete support tools for Naryn entrepreneurs:

— The Regional Development Fund, operating under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented its terms for issuing budget loans at just 2% interest per year, with repayment periods of up to 10 years. These funds can be used for projects in milk, meat, potato, and safflower oil processing, as well as for initiatives in tourism, hydropower, and fisheries. “We’re expecting quality business projects from Naryn residents. All the conditions are here — the financing is available,” said a fund representative.

— In the tourism sector, participants learned about new support directions: the reconstruction of the Salkyn-Tor Nature Park, the construction of Naryn Airport, the launch of the “Tengir-Too” tourism brand, the creation of geoparks, the development of winter tourism, and the launch of the visitnaryn.kg platform. “Naryn is becoming a center of attraction for both domestic and international tourism. It’s crucial that businesses are ready to meet this challenge,” noted the presentation coordinator.

In the second part of the event, participants actively engaged in a Q&A session. One of the most discussed topics was Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): “Local entrepreneurs are ready to invest — from small to large-scale projects. But it's important to understand the rules and mechanisms,” said one of the speakers.

Access to financing was another hot topic. “As soon as collateral is required, 99% of applicants are left out,” shared an entrepreneur from Ak-Talaa. In response, fund representatives explained that this is a key part of the mechanism and emphasized the importance of legalizing assets.

A separate block focused on taxation. Questions were raised about including vital medicines in the VAT exemption list, the use of E-TTN (electronic waybills), the patent system, and real-life cases — from opening a mini hair salon to tax obligations for livestock herders.

Parallel to the panel sessions, entrepreneurs could receive individual consultations in the theater's foyer. Consultation zones were organized with representatives from development funds, state banks, and insurance companies.

The event format included expert presentations, Q&A sessions, and individual meetings. This approach allowed not only for explanations of current legislative changes but also for highlighting real challenges faced by business representatives on the ground.

The next stops of the Caravan: Karakol — April 3, Talas — April 8, Tokmok — April 10, Kara-Balta — April 15, Bishkek — April 16.

The campaign is organized by the JIA Business Association and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the President in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance, the Center for Public-Private Partnership under NAIA, the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Land and Water Oversight Service under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, the EBRD, the OSCE Program Office, UNDP, and the Center for Business Support..