Latest news with #SadyrZhaparov
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov arrives in Malaysia for two-day official visit
SEPANG: Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Zhaparov has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit. The special aircraft carrying Zhaparov and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 6.45pm on Tuesday (June 24), where they were welcomed by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Zhaparov then inspected a guard of honour consisting of 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial). According to Wisma Putra, the visit marks the President's maiden visit to Malaysia since assuming office in January 2021. It was held to reciprocate the official visit made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Kyrgyz Republic in May 2024. On Wednesday (June 25), Zhaparov will be accorded an official welcome at Perdana Putra, followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar. Both leaders are expected to deliberate on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, renewable energy and green energy, halal industry, agricommodity, tourism, education as well as capacity-building assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). They will then witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MOU) in the field of tourism, digital transformation and cybersecurity, higher education, health, trade promotion, economic cooperation as well as scientific and research cooperation, and the exchange of notes in the fields of youth and training for diplomats, as well as Letter of Intent on legal cooperation. Anwar will also host an official luncheon at the Seri Perdana Complex in honour of the visiting president and his delegation. Zhaparov is also slated to undertake a brief tour of the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur. In 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic was Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner among the Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade of RM40mil (US$8.74mil). Malaysia's primary exports to the Kyrgyz Republic include electrical and electronic products, palm oil, palm oil-based agricultural products and machinery, equipment and parts, while key imports from the Kyrgyz Republic consist of chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products and processed foods. – Bernama The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, arrived in Malaysia today for a two-day official visit. The special aircraft carrying President Zhaparov and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, KLIA, at 6:45 p.m., where they were welcomed by Works Minister… — BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) June 24, 2025
Saudi Gazette
22-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Kyrgyz president meets Saudi business leaders
Saudi Gazette report BISHKEK — Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov received Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) Chairman Hassan Alhwaizy and a group of Saudi investors and government representatives at the presidential office in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. The meeting marked the conclusion of the FSC delegation's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan. Zhaparov highlighted the favorable economic and investment environment in Kyrgyzstan. He promised significant incentives and support for Saudi investors and encouraged them to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the sectors of renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and mining. Alhwaizy affirmed the readiness of the Saudi business sector to invest in Kyrgyzstan and expressed a commitment to working with partners in the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen partnerships between investors from both countries. The delegation's visit featured participation in an investment forum. The federation officials also held several meetings with ministers and officials from both governmental and private sectors to discuss economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities.
Khaleej Times
16-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Kyrgyzstan keen to deepen trade and economic ties with the UAE
How do you see the future of relations between Kyrgyzstan and the UAE, and what key areas do you intend to strengthen to expand cooperation? The relationship between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE has significant potential for further strengthening and expansion. We regard the UAE as one of our key partners and are committed to fostering cooperation in strategically important areas. At the level of Heads of State, our relations are advancing rapidly, demonstrating mutual respect, trust, and a strong commitment to productive partnership. Kyrgyzstan remains open to cooperation with the UAE and is keen to deepen bilateral engagement. Recognising the importance of our relations, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, signed a law naming the previously unnamed Glacier No. 354 as 'Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan'. This symbolic step highlights our deep respect and appreciation for the distinguished leader of the UAE and reflects our aspiration for long-term collaboration. Furthermore, in December 2024, a special team from the UAE visited Kyrgyzstan to film a documentary on our bilateral relations. This interest from our Emirati partners serves as further confirmation of the significance of our cooperation and its positive impact on both nations. At the same time, we are interested in deepening trade and economic ties and attracting investments. Kyrgyzstan offers favourable conditions for foreign investors, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and logistics. We are ready to facilitate businesses from the UAE by creating comfortable and secure conditions for their operations. Another promising area is tourism. With its unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan has the potential to become an attractive destination for tourists from the UAE. We are actively working on the development of tourism infrastructure to ensure a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors. Cooperation in renewable energy and environmental protection is also of great importance. Kyrgyzstan possesses significant hydropower potential and is committed to implementing modern 'green' technologies. The UAE's expertise in sustainable development and innovation could be highly beneficial in carrying out joint projects in energy and environmental security. We also see great prospects in educational and cultural collaboration. Expanding academic exchanges, scientific research, and joint educational programmes will help both countries prepare skilled professionals for the future, rapidly evolving labour market. Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties will further enhance the friendship between our nations. Additionally, I would like to highlight that, as part of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, an updated MoU was signed between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE Government. The agreement will serve as a foundation for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on the exchange of experience in governance development and modernisation. The memorandum extends the previous agreement signed on December 13, 2021, and covers key areas such as improving public institutions, government operational efficiency, and implementing innovative programmes. One of the critical directions of our future collaboration with the UAE will be based on the provisions of this memorandum, ensuring a long-term and stable partnership between our countries. What major Emirati projects are currently being implemented in Kyrgyzstan, and how do they contribute to the country's economic development? What new areas of cooperation do you foresee? Currently, several significant projects are being implemented between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and developing key sectors of Kyrgyzstan's economy. One of the most important initiatives is the establishment of the joint Abu Dhabi Kyrgyz Investment Holding. In 2023, an open joint-stock company was founded with an initial capital of $100 million, with plans to increase investments to $1.2 billion. The company's primary objective is to attract direct investments from the UAE to finance priority projects in infrastructure, energy, exports, technological innovations, and industrial modernisation. Another successful example of Kyrgyz-Emirati collaboration is the implementation of the 'Government Accelerators' programme in Kyrgyzstan. This mechanism, originally developed in the UAE, enables government agencies to swiftly address key challenges within 100 days, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and introducing innovative governance approaches. The programme was launched in Kyrgyzstan in March 2023, starting with an initial set of challenges in education, energy and social protection. In 2024, the second cohort of challenges was successfully completed, focusing on simplifying export procedures, optimising freight transportation, ensuring birth registration coverage and supporting renewable energy projects. Here are some remarkable achievements: Preschool Education Expansion: Thanks to the challenge aimed at reducing barriers to preschool education, the enrollment rate increased from 23% in 2023 to 44.3% by the end of 2024, granting tens of thousands of children access to quality early childhood education. Disability Certification Reform: The number of required documents for disability assessment and re-evaluation was reduced from 11 to just 1, significantly simplifying the process. Freight Transport Efficiency: The decision-making time for state regulatory bodies regarding rail freight transport was reduced from 3 hours to just 23 minutes. Birth Registration: A new system was introduced where birth data is automatically transferred from maternity hospitals to government authorities. If parents do not apply for a birth certificate within 60 days, social workers are notified to assist in registration. As a result, 600 out of 1,200 unregistered children have already received their birth certificates, with work ongoing to register the remaining children. Most importantly, by the end of 2024, 100% of newborns in Kyrgyzstan received birth certificates based on medical records, ensuring their legal recognition from birth and facilitating access to healthcare, education, and social support. This is a groundbreaking achievement that has significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of families. I would like to highlight that this project was submitted for the SDG Digital Game Changers competition in August 2024 and won first place in the 'Peace' category. The competition received a total of 1,180 applications, and our project ranked among the top 20 best initiatives worldwide, demonstrating its international significance. With the global shift towards renewable energy, how does Kyrgyzstan plan to develop this sector, and are there plans for partnership with Arab countries? There is no doubt that Kyrgyzstan has significant potential in the field of renewable energy, particularly in hydropower and solar energy. Given the global transition to a 'green' economy, the Cabinet of Ministers is actively developing this sector and attracting international investments, including partnerships with Arab countries. One of the key priorities is hydropower development. Kyrgyzstan has the potential to produce approximately 142 billion kWh of electricity annually, but currently, only 10 % of this capacity is utilised. Active efforts are underway to construct and modernise hydroelectric power plants, increasing the production of clean and sustainable energy. Another important direction is the development of solar and wind energy. In southern regions of the country, the annual number of sunny days reaches 250-270, making them highly attractive for the construction of solar power plants. For instance, in 2023, the UAE-based company Masdar signed an agreement to build a 200MW solar power plant, marking a major step toward expanding renewable energy use in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers is creating favourable conditions for investors by simplifying licensing and permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. Under the Government Accelerators programme, inspired by the UAE expertise, a challenge was successfully implemented to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Kyrgyzstan is actively strengthening cooperation with the UAE and other Arab countries in the energy sector. Key areas of partnership include investment attraction, technology transfer, knowledge exchange and workforce training in sustainable energy. Ongoing projects with Arab partners are already proving highly effective and creating new opportunities for economic growth. In the face of global economic challenges, what key policy directions is your government pursuing to ensure stability and sustainable growth? Amid global economic challenges, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic is implementing a comprehensive policy aimed at ensuring stability and sustainable growth. Through consistent reforms and strategic initiatives, Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated exceptional GDP growth rates, confirming the effectiveness of its economic policies. One of the key priorities is industrialisation and the expansion of manufacturing. The government is establishing industrial clusters and economic zones focused on raw material processing and the production of high-value-added goods. In parallel, the energy infrastructure is being actively developed to ensure a stable power supply for new industrial facilities. A significant emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The government is expanding preferential loan programmes and simplifying state procedures for entrepreneurs. The introduction of digital government services has significantly reduced bureaucratic barriers and improved the efficiency of business-government interactions. Another crucial area is attracting investments. Kyrgyzstan has created a transparent and predictable investment environment, making it an attractive destination for international partners. Additionally, the country is rapidly developing its transport, logistics and export potential. Kyrgyzstan is actively participating in the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway project, which will position the country as a key transit hub in Central Asia. At the same time, export procedures are being optimised, facilitating easier access for Kyrgyz goods to international markets. Kyrgyzstan remains open to new partners and investors, offering reliable and promising opportunities for businesses in one of the most dynamically developing regions. What steps is Kyrgyzstan taking to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investments, especially from the UAE and other Arab countries? Kyrgyzstan is rapidly creating favourable conditions for attracting foreign investments, particularly from Arab nations, including the UAE. Over the past years, Kyrgyzstan has significantly modernised its legislation to protect and support investors, developing mechanisms for long-term investment security that allow businesses to confidently plan their activities. The country has several Special Economic Zones offering tax holidays, simplified customs procedures, and access to modern infrastructure. These zones are modelled after the successful free-zone concept in the UAE, making Kyrgyzstan an attractive platform for international investors. Kyrgyzstan provides vast investment opportunities across key sectors. In hydropower, the country is implementing the largest hydropower project in Central Asia — Kambar-Ata-1 — with significant electricity export potential. The mining sector offers abundant resources, including gold, rare-earth metals and other valuable minerals, creating attractive prospects for investors. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan is establishing itself as a reliable exporter of organic and halal agricultural products, aiming to strengthen its presence in Arab markets. To facilitate investment and ensure a smooth business environment, the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan provides full support to investors, assisting with administrative procedures and minimising bureaucratic barriers. The country is actively engaging with partners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Arab states, offering exclusive incentives for long-term cooperation and several successful joint projects have already been implemented. Kyrgyzstan is also modernising its transport, energy and industrial infrastructure further enhancing its attractiveness as a business hub. Overall, Kyrgyzstan is fully prepared to welcome investments and remains open to partners seeking to implement large-scale projects. Any investor choosing Kyrgyzstan will receive comprehensive government support to ensure the success of their ventures.
Khaleej Times
16-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Clone of Kyrgyzstan keen to deepen trade and economic ties with the UAE
How do you see the future of relations between Kyrgyzstan and the UAE, and what key areas do you intend to strengthen to expand cooperation? The relationship between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE has significant potential for further strengthening and expansion. We regard the UAE as one of our key partners and are committed to fostering cooperation in strategically important areas. At the level of Heads of State, our relations are advancing rapidly, demonstrating mutual respect, trust, and a strong commitment to productive partnership. Kyrgyzstan remains open to cooperation with the UAE and is keen to deepen bilateral engagement. Recognising the importance of our relations, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, signed a law naming the previously unnamed Glacier No. 354 as 'Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan'. This symbolic step highlights our deep respect and appreciation for the distinguished leader of the UAE and reflects our aspiration for long-term collaboration. Furthermore, in December 2024, a special team from the UAE visited Kyrgyzstan to film a documentary on our bilateral relations. This interest from our Emirati partners serves as further confirmation of the significance of our cooperation and its positive impact on both nations. At the same time, we are interested in deepening trade and economic ties and attracting investments. Kyrgyzstan offers favourable conditions for foreign investors, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and logistics. We are ready to facilitate businesses from the UAE by creating comfortable and secure conditions for their operations. Another promising area is tourism. With its unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan has the potential to become an attractive destination for tourists from the UAE. We are actively working on the development of tourism infrastructure to ensure a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors. Cooperation in renewable energy and environmental protection is also of great importance. Kyrgyzstan possesses significant hydropower potential and is committed to implementing modern 'green' technologies. The UAE's expertise in sustainable development and innovation could be highly beneficial in carrying out joint projects in energy and environmental security. We also see great prospects in educational and cultural collaboration. Expanding academic exchanges, scientific research, and joint educational programmes will help both countries prepare skilled professionals for the future, rapidly evolving labour market. Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties will further enhance the friendship between our nations. Additionally, I would like to highlight that, as part of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, an updated MoU was signed between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE Government. The agreement will serve as a foundation for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on the exchange of experience in governance development and modernisation. The memorandum extends the previous agreement signed on December 13, 2021, and covers key areas such as improving public institutions, government operational efficiency, and implementing innovative programmes. One of the critical directions of our future collaboration with the UAE will be based on the provisions of this memorandum, ensuring a long-term and stable partnership between our countries. What major Emirati projects are currently being implemented in Kyrgyzstan, and how do they contribute to the country's economic development? What new areas of cooperation do you foresee? Currently, several significant projects are being implemented between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and developing key sectors of Kyrgyzstan's economy. One of the most important initiatives is the establishment of the joint Abu Dhabi Kyrgyz Investment Holding. In 2023, an open joint-stock company was founded with an initial capital of $100 million, with plans to increase investments to $1.2 billion. The company's primary objective is to attract direct investments from the UAE to finance priority projects in infrastructure, energy, exports, technological innovations, and industrial modernisation. Another successful example of Kyrgyz-Emirati collaboration is the implementation of the 'Government Accelerators' programme in Kyrgyzstan. This mechanism, originally developed in the UAE, enables government agencies to swiftly address key challenges within 100 days, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and introducing innovative governance approaches. The programme was launched in Kyrgyzstan in March 2023, starting with an initial set of challenges in education, energy and social protection. In 2024, the second cohort of challenges was successfully completed, focusing on simplifying export procedures, optimising freight transportation, ensuring birth registration coverage and supporting renewable energy projects. Here are some remarkable achievements: Preschool Education Expansion: Thanks to the challenge aimed at reducing barriers to preschool education, the enrollment rate increased from 23% in 2023 to 44.3% by the end of 2024, granting tens of thousands of children access to quality early childhood education. Disability Certification Reform: The number of required documents for disability assessment and re-evaluation was reduced from 11 to just 1, significantly simplifying the process. Freight Transport Efficiency: The decision-making time for state regulatory bodies regarding rail freight transport was reduced from 3 hours to just 23 minutes. Birth Registration: A new system was introduced where birth data is automatically transferred from maternity hospitals to government authorities. If parents do not apply for a birth certificate within 60 days, social workers are notified to assist in registration. As a result, 600 out of 1,200 unregistered children have already received their birth certificates, with work ongoing to register the remaining children. Most importantly, by the end of 2024, 100% of newborns in Kyrgyzstan received birth certificates based on medical records, ensuring their legal recognition from birth and facilitating access to healthcare, education, and social support. This is a groundbreaking achievement that has significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of families. I would like to highlight that this project was submitted for the SDG Digital Game Changers competition in August 2024 and won first place in the 'Peace' category. The competition received a total of 1,180 applications, and our project ranked among the top 20 best initiatives worldwide, demonstrating its international significance. With the global shift towards renewable energy, how does Kyrgyzstan plan to develop this sector, and are there plans for partnership with Arab countries? There is no doubt that Kyrgyzstan has significant potential in the field of renewable energy, particularly in hydropower and solar energy. Given the global transition to a 'green' economy, the Cabinet of Ministers is actively developing this sector and attracting international investments, including partnerships with Arab countries. One of the key priorities is hydropower development. Kyrgyzstan has the potential to produce approximately 142 billion kWh of electricity annually, but currently, only 10 % of this capacity is utilised. Active efforts are underway to construct and modernise hydroelectric power plants, increasing the production of clean and sustainable energy. Another important direction is the development of solar and wind energy. In southern regions of the country, the annual number of sunny days reaches 250-270, making them highly attractive for the construction of solar power plants. For instance, in 2023, the UAE-based company Masdar signed an agreement to build a 200MW solar power plant, marking a major step toward expanding renewable energy use in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers is creating favourable conditions for investors by simplifying licensing and permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. Under the Government Accelerators programme, inspired by the UAE expertise, a challenge was successfully implemented to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Kyrgyzstan is actively strengthening cooperation with the UAE and other Arab countries in the energy sector. Key areas of partnership include investment attraction, technology transfer, knowledge exchange and workforce training in sustainable energy. Ongoing projects with Arab partners are already proving highly effective and creating new opportunities for economic growth. In the face of global economic challenges, what key policy directions is your government pursuing to ensure stability and sustainable growth? Amid global economic challenges, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic is implementing a comprehensive policy aimed at ensuring stability and sustainable growth. Through consistent reforms and strategic initiatives, Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated exceptional GDP growth rates, confirming the effectiveness of its economic policies. One of the key priorities is industrialisation and the expansion of manufacturing. The government is establishing industrial clusters and economic zones focused on raw material processing and the production of high-value-added goods. In parallel, the energy infrastructure is being actively developed to ensure a stable power supply for new industrial facilities. A significant emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The government is expanding preferential loan programmes and simplifying state procedures for entrepreneurs. The introduction of digital government services has significantly reduced bureaucratic barriers and improved the efficiency of business-government interactions. Another crucial area is attracting investments. Kyrgyzstan has created a transparent and predictable investment environment, making it an attractive destination for international partners. Additionally, the country is rapidly developing its transport, logistics and export potential. Kyrgyzstan is actively participating in the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway project, which will position the country as a key transit hub in Central Asia. At the same time, export procedures are being optimised, facilitating easier access for Kyrgyz goods to international markets. Kyrgyzstan remains open to new partners and investors, offering reliable and promising opportunities for businesses in one of the most dynamically developing regions. What steps is Kyrgyzstan taking to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investments, especially from the UAE and other Arab countries? Kyrgyzstan is rapidly creating favourable conditions for attracting foreign investments, particularly from Arab nations, including the UAE. Over the past years, Kyrgyzstan has significantly modernised its legislation to protect and support investors, developing mechanisms for long-term investment security that allow businesses to confidently plan their activities. The country has several Special Economic Zones offering tax holidays, simplified customs procedures, and access to modern infrastructure. These zones are modelled after the successful free-zone concept in the UAE, making Kyrgyzstan an attractive platform for international investors. Kyrgyzstan provides vast investment opportunities across key sectors. In hydropower, the country is implementing the largest hydropower project in Central Asia — Kambar-Ata-1 — with significant electricity export potential. The mining sector offers abundant resources, including gold, rare-earth metals and other valuable minerals, creating attractive prospects for investors. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan is establishing itself as a reliable exporter of organic and halal agricultural products, aiming to strengthen its presence in Arab markets. To facilitate investment and ensure a smooth business environment, the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan provides full support to investors, assisting with administrative procedures and minimising bureaucratic barriers. The country is actively engaging with partners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Arab states, offering exclusive incentives for long-term cooperation and several successful joint projects have already been implemented. Kyrgyzstan is also modernising its transport, energy and industrial infrastructure further enhancing its attractiveness as a business hub. Overall, Kyrgyzstan is fully prepared to welcome investments and remains open to partners seeking to implement large-scale projects. Any investor choosing Kyrgyzstan will receive comprehensive government support to ensure the success of their ventures.
