On April 3, 2025, the city of Karakol hosted the next stage of the “Business Enlightenment Caravan” initiative. The event brought together more than 150 participants, including entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, banks, and relevant institutions from the Issyk-Kul region. The goal was not only to inform about available state support measures but also to establish direct dialogue between businesses and government authorities.

Grants, Loans, and Green Opportunities

Entrepreneurs were introduced to new financing programs from Aiyl Bank and Eldik Bank. These included loans with interest rates ranging from 0% to 10% per annum, support for the agro-sector, agricultural equipment leasing, women's entrepreneurship, and environmentally sustainable initiatives such as:

• “Aiyl Charba – 13” (up to 50 million KGS, 10% p.a., up to 7 years);
• “Ishker-Aiym” (up to 3 million KGS, 16% p.a.);
• Green technology funding — for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture projects.

Conditions for accessing budgetary loans from the Regional Development Fund (RDF) were also explained. These loans are targeted primarily at the agro-industrial complex and sustainable regional businesses.

Tourism as a Regional Growth Engine

A presentation by the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce generated particular interest. Participants learned about the approved National Program for Sustainable Tourism Development until 2030 and the state classification system for tourist sites, including the rating of yurt camps and other facilities.

It was noted that 40 pilot tourism sites across the country have been selected for development, including several in the Issyk-Kul region. Karakol is expected to play a key role as one of the flagship locations in the “Kyrgyz Courchevel” concept aimed at enhancing guest experience, safety, and infrastructure.

Tax Questions in the Spotlight

Many of the participants raised questions about taxation, including zero-revenue declarations, legalization of goods stored in warehouses, and tax application to locally produced or processed agricultural goods. Real-life examples were shared where farmers, lacking insurance coverage, had to cover loan debts themselves in the face of losses.

Open Dialogue and Key Initiatives

Representatives of the Secretariat announced the upcoming launch of Regional Investment Council Secretariats under plenipotentiary representatives. In addition, Mayor Timur Mysyrovich Madyarov informed participants about the creation of a dialogue platform at the Mayor’s Office, where he will co-chair alongside a representative from the private sector.

Daniyar Karagulovich Arpachiev, First Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Issyk-Kul region, supported the idea of expanding platforms for regular engagement with entrepreneurs.

Proposals were also voiced to improve access to insurance products for persons with disabilities, including potential discounts and benefits.

What’s Next?

As in other regions, the goal of the Caravan is not only to inform but also to collect feedback, identify challenges, and propose improvements to the business environment. All comments and suggestions from entrepreneurs will be consolidated and submitted to the relevant authorities and the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers.

Parallel to the panel sessions, entrepreneurs could receive individual consultations in the theater's foyer. Consultation zones were organized with representatives from development funds, state banks, and insurance companies.

The event format included expert presentations, Q&A sessions, and individual meetings. This approach allowed not only for explanations of current legislative changes but also for highlighting real challenges faced by business representatives on the ground.

The next stops of the Caravan: Karakol — April 3, Talas — April 8, Tokmok — April 10, Kara-Balta — April 15, Bishkek — April 16.

The campaign is organized by the JIA Business Association and the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the President in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Finance, the Center for Public-Private Partnership under NAIA, the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Land and Water Oversight Service under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, the EBRD, the OSCE Program Office, UNDP, and the Center for Business Support..