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.

As Regional Investment Councils (RICs) establish their secretariats, regional activities are moving into an active phase. Across the country, new formats for collaboration between businesses, local authorities, and development partners are taking shape.

RICs serve as an essential "bridge" between the business community and government structures, helping identify key issues for improving the investment climate and creating platforms for open, constructive dialogue.

In Talas region, the RIC Secretariat, led by Baktiyar Kamaldinov, recently held a series of meetings with district administrations. On June 19, meetings took place with the Akim (Head) of Aitmatov district Nurlanbek Umarov, the Akim (Head) of Manas district Ermekbay Omoshev, as well as with representatives of local business councils.

During these discussions, the goals and future plans of the RIC were presented, with a special emphasis on building direct dialogue with the local business community. As a result, roundtables with entrepreneurs and representatives of government agencies will be held in both districts in early July. In Manas district, the Akim also initiated the creation of a local business council, which will serve as a permanent platform for communication between business and government.

Meanwhile, the RIC in Osh region is actively participating in partnership events. On June 18, the head of the RIC Secretariat for Osh region, Taalay Azimov, spoke at a training organized by the Kyrgyz Women’s Forum “Kurak” (a member of the Investment Council) within the GIZ project.

During the event, the work and objectives of the RIC in Osh region were presented. Topics related to developing public-private partnerships (PPP) and fostering collaboration with government agencies to address business challenges generated strong interest among the participants. Agreements were also reached for further individual consultations on more complex issues, including PPP projects.

In the coming weeks, similar events and working meetings between RICs and business communities are planned in various regions. The growing activity of RICs on the ground marks an important step toward building truly effective platforms for dialogue between business and government.