On February 19, a strategic session dedicated to discussing the draft Program for the Support and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030 was held in Bishkek. The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, experts, and international partners such as UNDP, OSCE, and the Eurasian Development Bank, as well as members of the national business community.
The main objective of the SME–2030 Program is to move away from fragmented, one-time measures toward creating a unified, transparent, and measurable system of entrepreneurship support nationwide. In accordance with a Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, a Consortium of institutions supporting small and medium-sized enterprises was established to synchronize the efforts of the state, financial institutions, and international partners.
The Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bakyt Sydykov, emphasized that the government is consistently strengthening support for entrepreneurship. “We clearly understand that without a strong small and medium-sized business sector, it is impossible to ensure long-term growth and improve citizens’ well-being. Our goal is simple: anyone with an idea and the desire to work should be able to start and develop a business—regardless of age, region, or starting conditions,” the Minister noted in his speech.
The final discussion in Bishkek was preceded by a series of outreach meetings held by experts from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and international partners with the business community in Batken, Osh, Talas, Naryn, and Karakol. During these regional dialogues, local entrepreneurs’ challenges were discussed and their proposals were collected, forming the basis of the SME–2030 Program draft.
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank, Yaroslav Mandron, stated: “Supporting the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Kyrgyzstan is a key focus for the Eurasian Development Bank. Together with international partners, we are supporting the development of a strategically important document for SMEs—the Development Program until 2030. I am confident that its implementation will enable a transition to a systemic architecture for SME development and strengthen the country’s business environment.”
As noted by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth: “Only through joint efforts can an effective SME support system be created—one capable of ensuring sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economic growth. In this context, Entrepreneurship Support Centers play an important role by helping reduce administrative and information barriers and enhancing business resilience.”
The UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Alexandra Solovieva, подчеркнула: “We are pleased to contribute to the creation of a modern and sustainable ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises in Kyrgyzstan. For UNDP, this area is a natural continuation of many years of work supporting economic reforms, entrepreneurship development, digitalization of public services, promotion of green practices, strengthening regions, and expanding economic opportunities for women and youth.”
During the discussions, business representatives also participated in sector-specific working groups focused on concrete support mechanisms across six areas:
● Financial instruments: development of concessional lending, guarantee mechanisms, and investment attraction.
● Regional development and exports: support for regional initiatives, territorial specialization, value creation in agriculture and processing, and assistance to Kyrgyz producers entering external markets.
● Digital transformation: introduction of the “SME Hub” platform to simplify access to public services and online consultations for businesses.
● Legal protection: reduction of administrative barriers, simplification of regulation, and guarantees of the inviolability of private property.
● Innovation and the creative economy: support for women’s entrepreneurship, youth startups, and the creative economy.
