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Marat Galiev, a beekeeper from Karakol
"Every success starts with a dream, but turning it into reality requires perseverance and an understanding of the market," says Marat Galiev, who continues the work of his father, Askhat Galiev, a beekeeper with over 40 years of experience. Today, Marat runs Bee Company in Karakol under the Nectar brand—a business that has grown from a small family apiary into a thriving enterprise exporting honey to China, the UAE, Russia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
The key to the company's success lies in uncompromising product quality. Marat emphasizes the importance of strict quality control at every stage of production: from honey extraction to monitoring moisture levels and maturity to prevent spoilage. This commitment strengthens Nectar’s reputation in international markets. Today, the company focuses on eco-friendly practices and competitiveness, expanding its product range—including floral, linden, and buckwheat honey—while venturing into new areas such as beeswax products, propolis, and royal jelly for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
"Investing in branding and packaging is not just about aesthetics. Consumers value eco-friendly and innovative solutions," Marat explains. "Collaboration with local restaurants, cafés, and stores also opens new growth opportunities." Additionally, producing beehives and beekeeping supplies has become an extra source of revenue, strengthening the company's position in the market.
Kyrgyz honey is highly valued abroad: approximately 62% of the total production is processed and exported. However, the industry faces challenges such as product counterfeiting, lack of technology and funding, and pasture degradation. The UNDP project "Aid for Trade in Central Asia", funded by the Government of Finland, is helping address these issues. The program supports export-oriented producers, creates "green" jobs, and develops honey value chains (VCs).
Bee Company is one of the project’s leading participants. Thanks to a grant application, the company received advanced equipment—including a vacuum homogenizer, dosing pump, and filter bath—enabling it to produce cream honey, a product with an improved texture, taste, and aroma. The project also provided training on food safety, market analysis, and the use of green technologies in production, which increases access to new clients and enhances product appeal in the market.
"We help producers improve their skills, modernize production, and implement standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000 to enter global markets," says Gulmira Mamatova, UNDP program specialist. "Strengthening cooperation among honey VC participants enhances product quality and export potential, benefiting the entire industry."
The story of Marat Galiev is an example of how a family business, supported by innovation and support, can become a driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
The honey VC enhancement project has selected six micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a competitive process to help increase production and export volumes, create jobs, boost incomes, enter new markets, and implement international quality standards. Additionally, 120 beekeepers working with the selected MSMEs on honey processing and export were chosen to enhance productivity and create new employment opportunities.
The project adopts a comprehensive approach to development at both institutional and local levels. It supports various honey VC stakeholders, including beekeepers, exporting companies, service providers, and local authorities. Special attention is given to the inclusion of women and people with disabilities, as well as ensuring environmental sustainability.
UNDP is implementing the fifth phase of the regional project "Aid for Trade in Central Asia", financed 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 increasing economic competitiveness. It contributes to building more resilient, secure, and gender-responsive economic structures by diversifying economies and adapting to new market and consumer trends.
The project is expected to create at least 120 jobs, including opportunities for women in rural areas. It will also enhance the capacity of honey processing and exporting enterprises, as well as service providers. Beneficiaries will receive training on working with online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.
The strengthening of the natural honey value chain is being carried out under the UNDP "Aid for Trade in Central Asia" project, funded by the Government of Finland, with consulting support from TES Center.
For media inquiries: Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Communications Officer, ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org.
