On October 19, President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic addressed the nation at a grand celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Kumtor gold deposit's development. During his speech, President Japarov expressed his commitment to reclaiming Kumtor for the people, signaling the commencement of a new era of progress and transformation in the country.
The President's heartfelt address encapsulated the significance of the occasion and the journey that led to the return of Kumtor to state ownership.
"The return of Kumtor to the people is the beginning of renewal in our country, the first stage of development and change," he stated.
President Japarov, while addressing his fellow countrymen and participants at the commemorative event, recounted the history and importance of Kumtor in Kyrgyzstan's economy. He acknowledged the long road fraught with conflicts, fraud, and corruption that had overshadowed the project for years, terming it the "scam of the century."
The President vividly described his initial visit to the Kumtor deposit in 2002, which served as a turning point in his political career. He emphasized his relentless dedication to returning Kumtor's wealth to the people, even if it meant diving into turbulent politics and persevering through challenging times.
President Japarov's efforts to transfer Kumtor to state ownership date back to his early years as a deputy in the Jogorku Kenesh. His unwavering determination to safeguard the nation's interests led him to chair the parliamentary commission on Kumtor after 2010, in a bid to transfer the mine to state ownership.
While the political climate at that time posed significant obstacles, President Japarov's conviction never wavered. He expressed his belief that had Kumtor been transferred to state ownership in 2012, Kyrgyzstan's economic situation would be far more favorable today.
The return of Kumtor to full state ownership marked a turning point in the battle against political corruption in Kyrgyzstan. The elimination of the corrupt system that had allowed a select few to profit from Kumtor's operation signaled the country's path toward recovery and cleansing itself of corruption.
President Japarov celebrated the tireless efforts of Kyrgyzstan's mining sector personnel and highlighted their integrity and perseverance. He commended their contribution to Kumtor's ongoing success, emphasizing that it had proven that Kyrgyzstan could independently manage complex mining operations.
Under state ownership, Kumtor continued to thrive, and by the end of 2022, it had produced 17.3 tons of gold, contributed KGS 32.2bn in taxes and obligatory payments, and generated a net profit of $371mn. These revenues now support the state and fund strategic projects.
Moreover, President Japarov explained that new regulations favoring both the state and investors had been adopted, boosting Kyrgyzstan's attractiveness for international investment. As a result, the country witnessed an increase in the volume of investments and received positive assessments from international financial partners.
While Kumtor's future remains promising with ongoing geological exploration and development, President Japarov alluded to the potential development of new fields such as Togolok and Zhangart in the coming years.
In conclusion, President Sadyr Japarov affirmed his commitment to serving the people diligently, emphasizing the government's responsibility to use the nation's wealth for the people's benefit. He envisioned a transformed Kyrgyzstan by Kumtor's 40th or 50th anniversary, heralding the country's positive progress in various aspects.
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