29 August 2023, Bishkek – On 28 August, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and Embassy of Finland to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in partnership with the Cabinet of Ministers launched the Finnish- Kyrgyz Business Forum 2023. The Forum aims to establish contacts between Finnish and Kyrgyz businesses and promote cooperation in such sectors, as green economy, energy, agriculture, food industry, light industry, construction, etc. 

This is the third official meeting of Kyrgyz and Finnish entrepreneurs supported by UNDP’s “Aid for Trade” project, where areas of potential cooperation in export development between these two countries are explored. In partnership with the government of Finland, UNDP supports the Kyrgyz Government to create opportunities for the private sector to contribute to green economic transformation and inclusive development. 

Ms. Soili Mäkeläinen-Buhanist, Ambassador of Finland to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Head of the Cabinet of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, opened the Forum. 

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Head of the Cabinet of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Edil Baisalov, underlined the importance of the Forum that symbolizes the forging of new partnerships, the exchange of innovative ideas, and the exploration of untapped potential. “We are open to new investors and businesses. Kyrgyzstan works to strengthen a favorable investment climate, protect the private capital of foreign investors, and improve its management systems. We see potential for cooperation with Finland in information technology, healthcare, and green economy.” 

The Ambassador of Finland Ms. Soili Mäkeläinen-Buhanist addressing the distinguished guests and business community members from Finland and Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the similarities shared by the two nations and areas of potential cooperation. “It gives me pleasure to note that the bilateral relations between Finland and Kyrgyzstan are developing very positively – both on the political and the economic levels. The cooperation of Finnish and Kyrgyz companies provides many possibilities for joint synergies in digitalization, mining, logistics, and transportation. Our Embassy in Astana has already taken steps to establish a regional visa and resident permit hub to serve our customers in all Central Asian countries, including from Kyrgyzstan.” 

UNDP is one of the key development partners of the Kyrgyz Republic in green economic transformation and inclusive development, accelerating climate action and nature-based solutions for protecting fragile ecosystems and strengthening inclusive, accountable, and democratic governance.

 “This Forum serves more than just a platform for interaction. It is the opportunity to facilitate action that fosters inclusive growth, moves us towards a path of green economy, and ensures sustainability by improving access to financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises. This Forum is a nexus of innovation, where cross-border collaborations can generate transformative solutions, transcending traditional boundaries,” – said Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative. 

Finnish companies will be holding Business-to-business meetings to enhance cooperation with the Kyrgyz companies. 

This joint event was held under the Aid for Trade project funded by the Government of Finland and aimed at strengthening inclusive economic growth in the Kyrgyz Republic. By providing this platform, UNDP advances its mission to ensure equitable access to economic opportunities, bridging gaps in promoting sustainable development and inclusive society. 

UNDP is one of the key development partners of the Kyrgyz Republic in green economic transformation and inclusive development, accelerating climate action and nature-based solutions for protecting fragile ecosystems and strengthening inclusive, accountable, and democratic governance. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Since 1993, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan has helped the country to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/kyrgyzstan or follow at @UNDPkg. 

For more information, please contact Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Head of Communication Unit at ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org or +996770755776.