Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 21 September 2022 - Today a meeting of entrepreneurs was held with the participation of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic - Head of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr Akylbek Zhaparov to discuss the results of reforms of recent years aimed at improving the business climate in the country and ensuring sustainable economic growth through the creation of jobs, the development of the business environment and the improvement of measures for environmental protection.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic with the technical support of the UNDP project "Capacity Building for Sustainable Development Financing in the CIS Region", funded by the Russian Federation.

The country's private sector and entrepreneurs are active players in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal that stands for decent work and economic growth (SDG8). Micro, small and medium- enterprises are critical for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development and ensuring employment. They make up most of all private sector enterprises in most countries. And Kyrgyzstan is no exception here. Micro, small, and medium businesses tend to be the main source of income for the poorest segments of the population, especially in rural areas, and employ a significant part of the labor force in vulnerable sectors. That is why the Ministry of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme in Kyrgyzstan, are working together to achieve SDG 8.

The meeting with the business community was held on Entrepreneur's Day in Kyrgyzstan. In connection with this, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic - Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr Akylbek Zhaparov congratulated entrepreneurs on their professional holiday and highlighted their significant contribution to the economy of the country.

“The Government of Kyrgyz Republic is working to improve the business environment in the country and create conditions that would help ensure the growth of the private sector, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Even though the activities of our companies are carried out in different areas of the economy, it is these qualities that unite us into a close-knit community of entrepreneurs and allow us to survive in such a difficult time for Kyrgyzstan. I believe that thanks to our inner spirit and desire to master new knowledge and technologies, despite new challenges and risks, our entrepreneur will become an example for entrepreneurs in many countries,” said Mr. Zhaparov.

The Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr Amangeldiev noted that entrepreneurship of any scale is the main engine of the economy and is one of the most important activities of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to him, today's meeting is a tribute to entrepreneurs - energetic and initiative people with an active life position. It was emphasized that business and the Government are full partners in the development of the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic. Each business initiative is important for the country and will never go unnoticed by the state. In addition, during the event, the Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic made a presentation on the issue of supporting and developing entrepreneurship in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The event was closed by awarding entrepreneurs with the following nominations: "Entrepreneur of the Year", "Best Young Entrepreneur", and “Best women entrepreneur” (the list of wards and names is available here).