From June 12 to 14, 2025, a three-day strategic seminar was held for the staff of the Regional Investment Council (RIC) Secretariats, representatives of the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency, and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The seminar program was focused on developing the core competencies of RIC teams needed to effectively shape the investment climate in the regions, support investment projects, and foster constructive dialogue between businesses and government authorities.

Over the first two days, expert in strategic planning and financial management Azamat Dikambaev conducted intensive sessions dedicated to defining the role of RICs as trusted institutions and partners in regional economic development, and shaping their value proposition for businesses and investors. Special attention was given to the key areas that should guide the work of RICs — initiating regulatory changes (NPA), supporting investment projects, enhancing consulting services, and strengthening analytical functions. Through hands-on exercises in business modeling, participants explored how to position the Council within their respective regions and identify the real value RICs should deliver to businesses, investors, and government stakeholders.

On the third day, staff from the Secretariat of the Investment Council led a series of practical sessions aimed at developing the operational competencies of RIC teams. The morning sessions addressed the importance of having a clear and coordinated work plan for RICs — how such plans are developed, what objectives and results they should include, and the steps involved in their preparation. Each RIC Secretariat presented a preliminary version of their work plan, refined in group discussions based on the specifics of their respective regions.

Participants then explored practical aspects of preparing and conducting RIC meetings. Topics included agenda structure, principles of effective moderation, preparation of meeting protocols, and monitoring the implementation of action items. Using real-life cases, participants practiced drafting decisions and organizing follow-up work with RIC members and government agencies.

In the afternoon, discussions focused on the effective use of information resources and communication tools to enhance transparency and raise the visibility of RIC activities. Detailed attention was also given to procedures for interacting with government bodies — through designated contact points, consultation groups, and electronic document management systems.

The seminar marked an important step in strengthening the professional capacity of RIC Secretariats and reinforcing their role as active contributors to public-private dialogue at the regional level.

The event was organized as part of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency.