On December 20, Bishkek hosted the third People’s Kurultai (Congress), a platform for direct dialogue between representatives of local communities from across Kyrgyzstan and the country’s top leadership. The event featured opening remarks by President Sadyr Japarov and a detailed address by newly appointed Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, who outlined the government’s economic priorities and strategic plans for the future.
Japarov set the tone for the event by sharing his vision for Kyrgyzstan’s development priorities. He announced that construction of the long-anticipated China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will commence on December 27.
Kasymaliev, in his address, emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s ability to sustain economic momentum, citing the country’s 9% annual GDP growth rate over the past three years. He highlighted key initiatives aimed at transforming Kyrgyzstan’s economic landscape, including:
- Strategic Infrastructure Projects: Kasymaliyev underscored the significance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is expected to create new economic centers and logistics hubs, effectively positioning Kyrgyzstan as a “land port” in the region.
- Hydropower and Renewable Energy: As a reliable partner in Central Asia’s hydropower sector, Kyrgyzstan will continue collaborating with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the flagship Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant. Kasymaliyev also announced plans to expand solar and wind energy, eliminate state monopolies in the energy sector, and create conditions to attract private investment.
- Agriculture and Food Security: The government will prioritize agricultural processing to add value to raw products, ensuring food security and bolstering rural economic development.
- Construction as an Economic Driver: With construction contributing 7.4% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP – a tenfold increase since 2013 – Kasymaliyev called the industry a vital indicator of economic growth. He noted that construction has significantly improved citizens’ well-being over the past three years.
Government’s Strategic Goals
Kasymaliyev laid out an ambitious roadmap for the Cabinet of Ministers, aiming for the following by 2030:
- Economic Growth: Maintaining a GDP growth rate of 9% and achieving a GDP of $30 billion.
- Income Growth: Raising GDP per capita from $2,500 to $4,000.
- Economic Transition: Shifting from a services-oriented economy to an industrial-agrarian model.
- Support for Small and Medium Businesses: Increasing their share in GDP from the current 40.5% to 50%.
- Poverty Reduction: Lowering the poverty rate to 17%.
- Education Expansion: Ensuring 80% of preschool-age children have access to kindergarten.
Kasymaliyev’s address underscored the government’s commitment to comprehensive economic reforms and regional cooperation. His plans reflected an optimistic vision for Kyrgyzstan’s development while addressing key challenges in energy, infrastructure, and social services.
