On March 25, 2025, the nationwide informational campaign "Business Enlightenment Caravan" commenced in the city of Jalal-Abad. The initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs and citizens with practical information regarding legislative changes, business support measures, new requirements in labor relations, tax reporting, and prospects for tourism development in the regions.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the JIA Business Association, the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the regional administration, as well as heads of relevant agencies—the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the State Tax Service, the Ministry of Labor, and the General Prosecutor's Office.
In the first part of the program, participants were presented with information on innovations in business regulation and inspections, introduced to changes in tax legislation, and informed about opportunities for legalizing inventory balances. Particular attention was given to clarifications on electronic document management, transactions via personal electronic wallets, and the transition to a cashless system. Participants inquired, for example, whether a transfer of funds from a store to a distributor's personal wallet is considered cashless, and how to handle inventory in warehouses lacking primary documentation. Representatives of competent authorities provided appropriate explanations regarding permissible schemes and potential risks.
Additionally, norms regarding the cancellation of fines for non-submission of zero reports were clarified. Representatives of the State Tax Service provided detailed information on the periods during which this norm applies and the principle of voluntary submission of zero reports. It was specified that the cancellation of fines for missing deadlines and the possibility of voluntary submission will simplify the liquidation procedures for legal entities.
Labor legislation issues garnered no less interest. Participants sought clarifications on the registration of foreign workers and challenges associated with cashless wage payments. There were also inquiries concerning employers' obligations to insure employees and conclude relevant contracts. Competent answers were provided to all questions.
In the second part of the program, information was presented on the development of regional tourism, using the Aksy district as an example, including destinations such as Padysh-Ata and Sary-Chelek. The focus was on sustainable development of popular locations, including improving infrastructure and establishing constructive dialogue between authorities and businesses. A proposal was voiced in the hall to hold such events at the district level as well.
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: Osh — March 26, Batken — March 27, Naryn — April 1, Karakol — April 3, Talas — April 8, Tokmok — April 10, Kara-Balta — April 15, Bishkek — April 16.
The campaign is being implemented 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 of the Kyrgyz Republic in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Public-Private Partnership under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Program Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations Development Programme, the Center for Entrepreneur Support, EBRD and other partners.