On March 27, 2025, the nationwide information campaign "Business Education Caravan" continued its work in Batken. The event took place at the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken Region and brought together local entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, and the expert community.
The main objective of the campaign is to disseminate up-to-date information on changes in legislation, new tax and labor law requirements, state support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), regional development opportunities, and public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms.
In their welcoming remarks, the organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining a "live" dialogue with the business community, allowing for a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground and a prompt response to entrepreneurs' concerns.
The first part of the event focused on issues related to inspections, mandatory insurance, and the application of the updated Labor Code. Representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce reminded participants that a national inspection planning system is in place, requiring all regulatory authorities to coordinate their actions in advance. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to use digital tools such as the proverki.gov.kg website and the Business Korgoo mobile application to verify the legality of inspections and, if necessary, file complaints with the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Mandatory insurance received special attention. Insurance company representatives explained that compensation for damages is provided based on the findings of relevant services. As one speaker noted, “Even in the case of partial damage, compensation is possible — as was the case in one of the villages in Leilek district, where a sum of 800,000 soms was paid out.” However, they also clarified that if the property owner is found to be at fault, compensation may not be provided.
Taxation and reporting issues were also of high interest to participants. Representatives of the State Tax Service explained the rules for conducting non-cash transactions and warned against the use of employees' personal bank accounts in business operations. Additionally, challenges related to the tax portal’s interface updates were discussed. Some entrepreneurs noted that frequent changes make it difficult to submit reports. In response, tax officials assured participants that all updates aim to simplify the platform for users and expressed willingness to consider user feedback. They also reminded attendees of the QR codes displayed in all tax offices, which allow users to rate service quality: “If you are dissatisfied with an inspector’s response or have doubts about their conduct, you can submit your feedback directly to the central office.”
The topic of tourism sparked particular interest. A representative of the Department of Tourism shared information about a national project aimed at developing 40 tourist sites in 40 districts across the country. Under this initiative, entrepreneurs with a business plan and confirmed financing may receive state support, including assistance with land use issues. Participants also proposed organizing rural fairs under the slogan “One Village – One Product.” In response, it was noted that such events are already being held and will be expanded.
The Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency informed attendees about existing PPP mechanisms. Specifically, projects with a budget of up to 1 billion soms are implemented through competitive procedures, while larger projects may proceed through direct negotiations. Priority is given to initiatives that generate sustainable benefits for the regions.
Representatives of financial institutions, including state and international development funds, presented a range of financial products tailored to the needs of SMEs in Batken Region. They provided guidance on the requirements for collateral and the application process.
Land-related issues also received considerable attention. Government representatives encouraged entrepreneurs to voluntarily eliminate any violations related to unauthorized constructions, particularly those falling within the "red line" zone, as this could help avoid potential court-ordered demolitions.
Alongside the panel sessions, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to receive one-on-one consultations in designated areas. These consultation zones featured representatives from ministries, the tax service, local authorities, banks, development funds, and insurance companies.
Upcoming stops of the Caravan include: Naryn – April 1, Karakol – April 3, Talas – April 8, Tokmok – April 10, Kara-Balta – April 15, and 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 Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Migration, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance, the Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency, the Department of Tourism, the State Land and Water Inspection Service, the EBRD, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, UNDP, and the Business Support Center.