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.

On July 2, 2025, Ala-Too International University and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Bishkek. The document was signed by Rector of the University Nazira Esenalievа and Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council Uluk Kydyrbaev.

The purpose of the memorandum is to establish a partnership and promote mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at improving the quality of education, implementing joint educational programs, and preparing qualified specialists who are in demand in the labor market. Through this agreement, the university and the government body will combine efforts to enhance training standards and develop the educational environment.

The parties plan to collaborate in various areas, including sharing information on modern teaching methods and research results, jointly implementing projects in the fields of entrepreneurship, investment, and public-private partnerships, organizing scientific and educational activities, and developing proposals to improve economic policy.

Specific initiatives within these areas may be formalized through additional agreements and joint events in line with the provisions of the memorandum.

The signing of the agreement represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the academic community and public institutions. The document provides a foundation for combining the resources and expertise of both parties to support the development of education and the economy on a mutually beneficial basis.

As part of efforts to establish partnerships and exchange professional experience, a working meeting was held with KY & Partners, an independent law firm specializing in providing comprehensive legal support to companies, financial institutions, and investors across Central Asia.

From KY & Partners, Managing Lawyers Salimjon Yusupov and Elmira Usenova took part in the meeting. The Secretariat was represented by Head Uluk Kydyrbaev and the Secretariat team.

KY & Partners is well known for its extensive expertise in banking law, capital markets, and corporate matters. Members of the team have participated in supporting some of the largest international bond issuances and in structuring transactions involving global financial institutions. Their portfolio includes advising leading international clients such as Mastercard, Revolut, Western Union, Ozon, as well as a number of major banks and investment companies.

During the meeting, participants discussed potential areas of cooperation. In particular, they considered matters related to legal support for investment and infrastructure projects, consulting on financial sector regulation, and the application of modern technologies. They also addressed aspects of collaboration in preparing and supporting transactions, as well as the company’s involvement in initiatives aimed at improving the legal framework in the Kyrgyz Republic.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing partnership relations and implementing joint initiatives.

The Secretariat of the Regional Investment Council (RIC) has officially launched operations in Jalal-Abad Region. The new structure is being established in line with the goals outlined in the National Investment Strategy and is aimed at supporting regional economic development, improving the business climate, and advancing mechanisms of public-private partnership (PPP).

The region boasts significant natural and agricultural potential, strong industrial traditions, attractive recreational assets, and a dynamic business environment. At the same time, there is substantial opportunity to further develop new sectors — particularly in processing industries, agricultural cooperation, green energy, tourism, and cross-border trade.

The Secretariat team was formally introduced to Nurlan Ermatov, First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Jalal-Abad Region. The team was presented by Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The RIC Secretariat team includes:
— Gulmairam Attokurova, Head of the Secretariat;
— Aizat Birimkulova, Legal Expert;
— Aiday Almazbekova, Economic and PPP Expert.

The Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative expressed strong interest in the RIC platform and readiness to provide full support for the development of public-private dialogue and partnership in the region. The necessary conditions for the effective operation of the Secretariat have been put in place.

During the visit, a meeting was also held with Bekmamat Arstanbekov, Chairman of the Youth Council under the Mayor’s Office of Jalal-Abad. Opportunities for collaboration were identified to engage local youth groups and young entrepreneurs in the work of the RIC.

The primary mission of the Secretariat is not simply to oversee projects, but to establish sustainable mechanisms for business support: assisting in the removal of administrative barriers, facilitating PPP projects, providing consultations for entrepreneurs, and preparing recommendations for improving the regulatory framework.

The project is being implemented within the framework of a trilateral 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. It is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private dialogue in the regions.