In addition to the global health crisis, the сoronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) is seriously affecting both the economy and the UN's sustainable development goals.

With support from the UNDP project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia” financed by the Government of Finland, a survey of companies was conducted between 29 April and 6 May 2020 to determine the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on micro, small and medium enterprises in Kyrgyzstan. The survey was attended by representatives of 606 randomly selected enterprises across the country, 61% of which are small companies with less than 15 employees, 75% of which are established and have been operating for over 4 years. Interviewed companies were from various sectors including trade, transport, services, manufacturing, tourism, catering, import/export and agriculture.

According to preliminary results of the survey, the crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has affected almost all companies surveyed, and the vast majority of them have had to take radical measures.  These included sending individual employees on unpaid leave or, in some cases, suspending their activities altogether.

The exact results of the impact of the crisis due to COVID-19 on the business environment will be published in the near future. The data will include both the impact of the crisis on different sectors of the economy and support measures and recommendations for business recovery. 

UNDP will support the Kyrgyz Republic in its efforts to restore economic activity and minimize the long-term effects of the global epidemic.