On January 29, the team of the Secretariat of the Investment Council continued its regional engagement in Issyk-Kul, a region with immense potential for the development of year-round tourism, agriculture, and the processing industry. Led by Uluk Kydyrbaev, the Secretariat’s delegation held meetings with the administration of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Issyk-Kul region and representatives of the local business community.

The first half of the day was dedicated to discussions with Daniyar Arpachiev, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Issyk-Kul, and Askat Azarbekov, Head of the Administration. The talks focused on investment project implementation, improving conditions for entrepreneurship, and strengthening public-private partnerships (PPP). Special attention was given to enhancing the investment climate and supporting initiatives for sustainable regional development. The Secretariat also discussed its role in assisting with the region’s development strategy, particularly in refining the investment section in collaboration with the National Investment Agency (NAI) and the PPP Center.

Following this, the team met with Aibek Saparbekov, Chairman of the Karakol City Council, to discuss the city’s designation as a tourism destination and the steps required to fully leverage this status. As part of this effort, the parties agreed to organize training programs to standardize hospitality services, including hotel and restaurant standards, to enhance the region’s appeal to visitors.

In the second half of the day, the Secretariat engaged with local entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses. The discussions highlighted key challenges such as access to financing, logistical barriers, and opportunities for developing export-oriented projects. Participants shared proposals to boost economic activity in the region, including a review of the effectiveness of regional development funds to ensure targeted financial support. Another key issue raised was the need to prioritize funding for preschool education facilities, as early childhood development projects often receive less attention compared to other investment priorities.

The visit to Karakol reaffirmed the region’s economic potential and the importance of fostering an enabling environment for businesses and investors. These regional visits are part of a joint initiative by the Secretariat of the Investment Council, the PPP Center, UNDP, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at supporting key projects and improving investment conditions across the country.