The Secretariat of the Investment Council is pleased to share the news of the successful start of the Creative Industries Park (CIP) of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is a member of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. The topic of launching the Park and its support was actively discussed during our advisory group meetings. Today, we see the first significant achievements of the CIP.

The residents of the CIP have achieved revenue of 43.5 million KGS in their first quarter of operations. As noted by the Head of the Creative Industries Association, Daniyar Amanaliev, the Park unites 32 residents working in areas such as digital advertising, film production, IT products and services, podcasts, architecture, photography, and online education.

The amount of taxes paid in the first quarter reached 1.6 million KGS, and contributions to the Park’s management reached 435,000 KGS. These funds ensure the financial sustainability of the CIP, confirming that its operational model is viable without state budget support.

This success proves the significance and potential of the creative sector in the Kyrgyz Republic. We are confident that the CIP will become an engine of innovation, inspiring and supporting the development of creative industries in the country. Congratulations to all CIP residents on their first successful quarter, and thank you for your contribution to the development of the creative economy in the country!

On November 14, 2024, a meeting took place at the Secretariat of the Investment Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended by Zulfiqar Khan, Program and Grants Coordinator of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for the Improvement of Business Environment in Central Asia Program (IBECA). The meeting focused on the Central Asia Migration and Entrepreneurship Program (CAMEP) and its goals in the context of the current economic challenges in the region.

Central Asia has faced significant labor outflows to Russia for decades. Remittances from migrants make up a substantial part of the GDP in countries like the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since February 2022, with increasing pressure on migrants in Russia, a mass repatriation process has been observed — migrants are returning home, creating new economic challenges for the countries in the region.

The CAMEP program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by CIPE, aims to support the private sector in integrating returning migrants into the economies of Central Asian countries. It includes improving the business environment, developing entrepreneurial skills, and creating opportunities for migrants to become entrepreneurs and employers.

During the meeting, Uluk Kydyrbaev emphasized the importance of supporting returning migrants through entrepreneurship development and improving the business environment. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to support the private sector and create new jobs amidst the mass return of migrant workers. Particular attention was paid to program areas such as analyzing the needs of migrants and employers, improving the business environment, and individual skills development programs for returning labor migrants.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their hope for the successful implementation of the CAMEP Program and their willingness to continue collaboration aimed at integrating migrants and improving the business environment in the region.

From November 13 to 15, the Regional Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) Academy for Central Asian business associations is taking place in Bishkek. The event has gathered representatives from business associations and international organizations to discuss key issues related to the development of PPD in the region.

During the event, Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered a guest lecture. He shared the Kyrgyz Republic's experience in implementing PPD mechanisms through the Investment Council, which stands as the only high-level active platform for PPD in the country. He presented case studies illustrating how the Council creates space for constructive dialogue between the state and the private sector. Kydyrbaev also highlighted ongoing efforts to activate PPD at the regional level through the establishment of Regional Investment Councils, emphasizing the support provided by UNDP in this regard.

Furthermore, Uluk Kydyrbaev noted the importance of strengthening the institutional capacity of business associations to effectively advocate for the interests of entrepreneurs at both regional and national levels.

The Regional PPD Academy is being conducted by the International Business Council and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The Academy aims to strengthen PPD institutions and enhance the capacity of business associations in advocating for the interests of entrepreneurs at all levels.