The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek are collaborating with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Support and Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic, scheduled to run until 2030.
According to the ministry, the program aims to establish a long-term strategy for the development of the country’s SME sector, focusing on financial support mechanisms, digitalization, export promotion, and legal protection for businesses. The draft program was published on the official website of the ministry.
The initiative is designed to move from isolated, targeted measures to a unified, transparent, and measurable system of entrepreneurship support across the country. Input from business representatives and experts is being incorporated to ensure that the program reflects practical needs and priorities.
The development process included a strategic session in Bishkek on February 19, 2026, organized with support from the EDB, which gathered officials from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, international partners, and representatives of the business community. This session followed regional consultations conducted in Batken, Osh, Talas, Naryn, and Karakol, where local entrepreneurs provided proposals that contributed to the formation of the draft program.
A consortium of institutions supporting small and medium-sized enterprises has been previously established in accordance with a presidential decree. The consortium is responsible for coordinating efforts among the government, financial institutions, and international partners.
Officials participating in the program development emphasized the importance of a systemic approach to SME support. Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov highlighted the government’s commitment to enabling all citizens to start and grow businesses, regardless of age, location, or initial resources. Yaroslav Mandron, Deputy Chairman of the EDB Management Board, described the program as a strategic document intended to strengthen the SME sector and improve the overall business environment in Kyrgyzstan. Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek emphasized the role of Entrepreneurship Support Centers in reducing administrative barriers and enhancing business resilience, while UNDP Resident Representative Alexandra Solovieva noted that the program aligns with ongoing initiatives in economic reform, digitalization, regional development, and promotion of opportunities for women and youth.
During the strategic session, participants addressed six key areas of support for SMEs:
- Financial instruments – development of preferential lending, guarantee mechanisms, and strategies to attract investment.
- Regional development and exports – support for regional initiatives, specialization of territories, creation of added value in agriculture and processing, and assistance for Kyrgyz producers entering foreign markets.
- Digital transformation – implementation of the SME Hub platform to streamline access to government services and online consultations.
- Legal protection – reduction of administrative barriers, simplification of regulations, and protection of private property.
- Innovation and creative economy – support for women’s entrepreneurship, youth startups, and creative industry initiatives.
Proposals formulated during the discussions are to be incorporated into the final version of the SME Development Program until 2030, ensuring that the program is comprehensive and responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs across Kyrgyzstan.
