Batken, Kyrgyzstan / October 14, 2021  - An investment forum " The development of Batken is the development of the country" is being held today in the Batken region under the leadership of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Zhaparov Akylbek Usenbekovich.

The event was aimed at determining the Concept of the socio-economic development of the region in the long term and to attract investments in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Zhaparov S.N. "On priority measures for the restoration and development of border villages in Batken province" dated May 4, 2021 for the early restoration of border areas in Batken.

Opening the event, Mr. Zhaparov stressed the importance of the meeting for the development of the region and attracting investments. “I would like to highlight the significance of today's Forum and the influence of this event to all regions of Kyrgyzstan as similar development strategies will be developed for all regions. It is gratifying that investors and donors are taking part in today's forum. I hope that the work of today's forum will be useful for Batken province”- said Mr. Zhaparov.

Also, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic named the main priorities of the strategies being developed, in particular, the introduction of digital development in all sectors, the practice of providing tax incentives, as well as an increase in foreign direct investment to at least 13% of GDP annually.

The event became a platform for public-private dialogue, where mechanisms for financing investment projects from financial institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic are presented, as well as practical seminars for domestic entrepreneurs from international experts.

It is important to note that according to the National Statistical Committee of the KR, the poverty rate in Batken oblast is one of the highest in Kyrgyzstan.

Erkinbek Kasybekov, Advisor to the UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, said that UNDP will continue to provide multisectoral support in the region to achieve social and economic development in the long term, building on a long-standing partnership with Batken province and given the complexity of existing issues and problems. According to him, this will be achieved through active work in three key areas, such as strong institutions, justice and peace, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and climate change and disaster risk management.

“Since 2012, UNDP has allocated over $ 5.3 million to support regional development priorities. As part of these activities, together with the national partners, UNDP worked on improving the social infrastructure in the region, expanding income opportunities and livelihoods through vocational education, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups. In addition, we constantly co-operate in increasing the capacity of local authorities to improve the provision of public services and the rational management of natural resources by promoting new technologies in agriculture, the efficient use of drinking and irrigation water, adaptation to climate change and addressing critical issues related to problems of natural disasters,” said Erkinbek Kasybekov.

Currently, UNDP is implementing the following priority projects in Batken oblast:

Improving resilience to climate change through the introduction of smart irrigation and mudflow measures in Batken with a total budget of $900,000. The project is funded by the Russian Trust Fund for Development and is part of the implementation of the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in the Kyrgyz Republic

Socio-economic recovery from negative consequences of COVID-19 in Batken, Jalal-Abad and Osh provinces of the Kyrgyz Republic with a total budget of $2 million, funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Central Asia Climate Change and Resilience Project with a total budget of $880,000. UNDP is still in the process of developing project activities, that will be funded by the EU. The project will take place within 2021-2024.

The investment forum was held under the leadership of the Ministry of Investment of the Kyrgyz Republic and financial support from UNDP, OSCE, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, RSK and Aiyl Banks.