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.