Bishkek, July 30 - The United Nations Development Programme in Kyrgyzstan has organized business meetings (B2B) between local producers and representatives of large Russian retail chains. Over 35 local companies from food, agriculture and garment industry took part in the meetings.

UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized B2B meetings to connect Kyrgyz producers and exporters to Russian trading networks. The purpose of the visit was to establish and strengthen business relations between companies of the two countries, search for potential partners, and promote understanding between Kyrgyz and Russian industries.

Representatives of the Russian delegation stressed Kyrgyzstan's significant progress in the area of agricultural business.

"We have signed a cooperation agreement with Kyrgyzstan and organised a Russian delegation of trading networks. We have been working with Kyrgyzstan for a long time, it is like a second home and country for us, so we know how local entrepreneurs think, how they are similar, and how to cooperate. Our task this time was to present new retail chains, and secondly, to present different trade formats and represent a wide territory - today there are representatives from Central Russia, Siberia, the Ural and Trans-Baikal Territory. I would like to note that the level of companies has increased significantly and many companies have international quality certificates."

Elena Smirnova, member of board of directors "Innovative Business Group", development director of "Prod Massiv Siberia", representing "Dobrotsen" retail chain

B2B meetings of this kind are a great opportunity to establish strong ties with leading Russian companies, and to discuss opportunities for cooperation and potential sales to Russian retail chains, said Kyrgyz entrepreneurs. In addition, it is also an opportunity to exchange experiences and receive effective advice and guidance, as most Russian companies have successful previous experiences.

"For us, this event is a huge opportunity to talk to leading Russian companies like Magnit, Prodmassiv, Rossagro and Utkonos. It's very interesting because, Magnit's chain of shops is over 25,000 outlets, Utkonos is the top 3 online sales, which also have very ambitious goals for the future. The chains represented today are very well matched, there are large retail chains as well as online sales. I think every producer can find a partner here, depending on their economic opportunities."

Maksat Torobekov, representative of Kyrgyz company "Advanteks"

Forging ties with Russian companies will expand Kyrgyzstan's export opportunities, which in turn could lead to more jobs in the country and give Kyrgyz migrants the opportunity to return home to work.

"Exports are one of the most important components of the overall development of the economy and account for a large share of GDP. Thanks to exporters and domestic companies, new jobs are created and consequently migration is reduced. We have invited Russian retailers with the help of UNDP and we believe that this event is very important because local companies have an opportunity to establish contacts, to find out quality and volume requirements, and to discuss all the nuances and, if necessary, adopt all the recommendations on packaging, labelling and branding.

Tilek Jumaliyev, expert at the Ministry of Investment of the Kyrgyz Republic

This initiative is part of the Aid for Trade in Central Asia project, supported by the Government of Finland.