Batken, July 10, 2025. An introductory meeting was held in Batken Region to mark the launch of the Regional Investment Council (RIC). Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented the Batken RIC team to Baktybek Toksonbaev, First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken Region. The Head of the Batken RIC Secretariat is Aiylchy Kudaybergenov.

It should be noted that previously Batken Region already had a Business and Investment Development Council. However, with the establishment of the Secretariat, the Council began operating in a new format and under the new name—the Regional Investment Council—maintaining continuity of priorities and objectives, while transitioning to a more systematic approach as part of a unified RIC network.

Participants emphasized the importance of resuming full-fledged cross-border operations. After nearly four years of suspension, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan was reopened on March 13, 2025. In Batken Region, the checkpoints “Kayragach” and “Kyzyl-Bel” were ceremoniously reopened in an online format with the participation of the heads of both states. The resolution of border delimitation issues and the reopening of checkpoints have already led to the revitalization of bilateral trade, creating new opportunities for Batken-produced goods to enter Tajik markets.

Batken Region holds a special economic status as a strategic border territory. Preferential regimes have been introduced here, including tax and investment incentives and simplified government services for residents. Dozens of border villages benefit from tax relief measures: reduced income tax, exemption from profit and sales taxes, and concessions on land and property taxes. In addition, the government provides direct support to Batken by allocating annual budget funds, and the list of villages with special status has been expanded (from 62 to 92), granting residents additional allowances and benefits. These measures significantly increase the region’s attractiveness for living and investment.

Special attention was paid to the tourism potential of Batken Region. The area boasts unique natural and cultural attractions—the Kan-i-Gut cave, the Pyramidal Peak, and the famous Aigul flower—which draw tourists from around the world. Developing infrastructure for ecotourism and active recreation, as well as promoting traditional crafts (such as carpet weaving), can substantially increase visitor numbers and create new economic opportunities. Enhancing tourism appeal, in turn, will help attract investments to the region.

In the context of improving Kyrgyz-Tajik relations, economic cooperation is resuming. The trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is demonstrating positive dynamics. This growth has become possible thanks to agreements reached on the border and the intensification of political dialogue. For Batken businesses, new prospects are emerging to access neighboring markets, find partners, and distribute products in Tajikistan.

First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative Baktybek Toksonbaev emphasized that it is critically important for Batken to transform its public image into a positive one. Due to measures already taken, the situation in the region is stable and safe, and it is necessary to communicate this to a wide audience. Regional leadership aims to present Batken as a dynamically developing area open to tourism and investment.

As part of the visit, representatives of the Investment Council Secretariat also held meetings with the Batken business community, including members of the JIA business association and individual entrepreneurs. This direct dialogue made it possible to discuss pressing business issues and gather proposals to improve local investment conditions.

The launch of the RIC in Batken Region is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen public-private dialogue in the regions and is being implemented within the framework of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the PPP Center under the National Investment Agency.