Bishkek, 03 May 2024 – The United Nations Development Program in Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the PF “Training and Consulting Center” (TES-Center), is launching an initiative to strengthen the value chain (VAC) of natural honey under UNDP project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia” , funded by the Government of Finland. The project will continue to provide support to key participants in the honey VAC in the target regions of the country, including Osh, Naryn and Issyk-Kul provinces. The project will focus on increasing production and sales of honey, creating new jobs, increasing the competitiveness of the sector, and strengthening its export potential.

Kyrgyzstan has significant potential for the production and export of natural honey. The development of this industry can play an important role in expanding economic opportunities and stimulating production and processing in regions. However, this requires coordinated joint efforts.

UNDP in Kyrgyzstan pays special attention to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, focusing on environmentally friendly and niche products with high added value, as well as expanding the economic opportunities of participants in the honey value chain.

“We support beekeepers in increasing their productivity and the competitiveness of natural honey, considering the introduction of innovative and resource-efficient green technologies that will stimulate green exports and the creation of new green jobs. The program is also aimed at integrating small farmers into the process of creating added value,” emphasized Aisulu Mambetkazieva, coordinator of the UNDP Aid for Trade project.

The project will take an integrated approach to enhance its development impact at both the institutional and local levels. Support is provided for various participants in the honey VAC, including beekeepers, exporting companies, service operators and local authorities. Particular attention will be paid to the inclusion of women and people with disabilities, as well as environmental sustainability in the sector.

The low women participation in beekeeping represents a significant opportunity for economic empowerment. Project activities will include efforts to remove gender barriers and increase gender sensitivity in the sector.The project is expected to create at least 120 jobs, including for women in rural areas. The project will also improve the capacity of honey processing and export enterprises, as well as service operators. Also, as part of the project, it is planned to train VAC participants in the skills of working with online sites and e-commerce platforms.

For media inquiries:

Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Communications Officer, ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org

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UNDP is implementing the fifth phase of the regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia” (hereinafter referred to as the project), funded by the Government of Finland. The project aims to support Central Asian countries in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by promoting green value chains and improving the competitiveness of their economies. The project promotes more resilient, secure and gender-sensitive economic structures by diversifying the economy and adapting to new market and consumer trends.