Our People > Anton Chipegin

Anton Chipegin

Anton was born and grew up in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He worked as a television correspondent, editor and TV presenter on the main television channels of the republic, such as NTS and MIR 24, and also as an economic observer at international news agencies and other media resources of Kyrgyzstan.

Articles

Banking Keremet Bank Sanctions

Kyrgyzstan Pushes to Lift U.S. Sanctions on Keremet Bank

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan is negotiating with the U.S. Treasury Department to lift sanctions imposed on Keremet Bank, according to National Bank Chairman Melis Turgunbaev. The U.S. authorities sanctioned Keremet Bank over alleged ties to Promsvyazbank, a Russian financial institution under sanctions. In response, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has formally petitioned for the sanctions to be lifted. Efforts to Lift Sanctions “We have submitted a formal request, provided the necessary information, and are actively engaging with U.S. officials. Typically, cases like this are reviewed within 30 to 45 days. Sanctions on Keremet Bank are set to take effect on March 1, and we are doing everything possible to reverse this decision before then,” Turgunbaev stated. According to him, this window allows the bank to manage its international assets and keep clients informed. Keremet Bank’s Response Keremet Bank has welcomed the government’s efforts to challenge the sanctions. “The bank operates in full compliance with national and international laws, adhering to principles of transparency and responsibility. We have submitted an appeal to OFAC (the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control) disputing the allegations against us,” the bank told The Times of Central Asia. Growing Time Pressure and UK Sanctions Despite optimism from Kyrgyz authorities, time is running short for a resolution. Keremet Bank has warned its clients that Visa payment cards issued by the bank will stop working on February 28. In a further setback, the United Kingdom has also imposed sanctions on Keremet Bank, designating it as a foreign financial institution supporting Russia. Previously, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan instructed commercial banks to tighten control over financial transactions in response to increased enforcement by OFAC.

2 months ago

Agriculture Sheep Breeding New sheep breed

Kyrgyzstan Develops New Ala-Too Sheep Breed

Kyrgyzstan has officially approved a patent for the new Ala-Too sheep breed, a meat-producing variety developed through selective breeding. The Ala-Too breed is now formally recognized as an independent breeding achievement, paving the way for patenting and potential commercialization. A New High-Value Sheep Breed The Ala-Too sheep was developed by crossing local Kyrgyz sheep with Tajikistan’s Hissar sheep, a well-known meat breed. “The Ala-Too sheep is a new meat-producing breed. A single breeding sheep costs between $5,000 and $10,000, with some specimens fetching up to $30,000,” said Professor Abdugani Abdurasulov of Osh University. Developing artificial breeds is a key priority in scientific research, university officials noted. Earlier, the blood and wool samples of the new breed were sent to Tarim University in China for DNA testing. A History of Sheep Breeding Innovation This is not the first time Kyrgyzstan has successfully developed a new sheep breed. Five years ago, the Arashan breed was registered by the Ministry of Agriculture. It was created by crossing Hissar sheep from Tajikistan with local coarse-wool sheep. Today, Arashan sheep are exported to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with individual large specimens selling for as much as $60,000 at exhibitions.

2 months ago

Journalists Critique European Parliament president Human rights

Sadyr Japarov Criticizes European Deputies for One-Sided Reports on Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has criticized European Parliament deputies for what he described as one-sided and subjective reporting on human rights issues in Kyrgyzstan. Speaking at a meeting with members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, Japarov expressed regret that EU officials had not sought clarification from the Kyrgyz government before publishing their reports. European officials have previously raised concerns about criminal cases against independent journalists, particularly those linked to Temirov Live, as well as the prosecution of activists who opposed the transfer of the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan. Addressing these concerns, Japarov defended his administration’s handling of these cases, stating that the judiciary operated independently and that some accused individuals had been acquitted. “Two journalists are in custody, probation was applied to two, and seven were acquitted. The courts made their decisions, and we accepted them. When we resolved border issues with Uzbekistan, the so-called ‘Kempir-Abad group’ opposed the agreement, claiming we had given away land. But in reality, 99% of the population saw the deal as beneficial. Only 26 people protested, calling for unrest, and were arrested. But the court later acquitted them, and we did not object,” Japarov said. He reiterated that freedom of speech and human rights remain key priorities for Kyrgyzstan. “As an active member of the international community and the UN Human Rights Council, Kyrgyzstan is committed to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and upholding international obligations,” he stated. Chairman of the European Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, Mounir Satouri, acknowledged the importance of strategic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the EU and expressed readiness for an open dialogue on the issues raised.

2 months ago

Food Export

Uzbekistan to Help Kyrgyzstan Export Nuts and Dried Fruits to Global Markets

Kyrgyzstan has secured a trade agreement with a leading Uzbek exporter of dried fruits, paving the way for systematic food exports to Europe and the Persian Gulf. Ecofruit, a major Uzbek producer and exporter of dried fruits, has expressed strong interest in Kyrgyz nuts and dried fruits, citing their high quality and ecological purity. "Among the products that can enter international markets are apricots, dried uruk, prunes, walnuts, pistachios, barberries, and white and red beans. Of particular interest were walnuts and prunes, which enjoy stable demand in foreign markets," the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy said. The Uzbek company also announced plans to open a representative office in Kyrgyzstan, signaling long-term cooperation. Kyrgyzstan is expanding its dried fruit exports, with apples accounting for the largest share of the country’s fruit and berry production. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported nearly 1,000 tons of dried apples to Germany. Other key importers include Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Japan. Sample shipments are now reaching the countries of the Persian Gulf, and South Korea. Once used primarily as an ingredient, dried apples are now marketed as snacks. Kyrgyzstan is also known for its high-quality beans, particularly from the Talas region, which is a major production and export hub. Kyrgyz beans are exported to Turkey, Russia, India, Iran, and several European countries. In 2024, exports expanded to China, with 16 Kyrgyz companies registered as official bean suppliers. Walnuts have an even wider global market and are grown primarily in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the renowned Arslanbob walnut forests, which span 42,500 hectares. At the end of 2023, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy signed agreements to export walnuts to China and Turkey. While Russia remains the primary buyer, Kyrgyz walnuts are also exported to the Middle East. With Uzbekistan’s Ecofruit expanding its presence in Kyrgyzstan, the country’s nuts and dried fruits sector is poised for stronger global market integration. The partnership could increase export volumes and create new trade routes, benefiting Kyrgyz farmers and agribusinesses.

2 months ago

IPO Kyrgyz Stock Exchange Stock Market

Kyrgyz State Companies Encouraged to List Securities on Local Stock Exchange

Kyrgyzstan's Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, has signed a decree recommending that all state-owned enterprises conduct initial public offerings (IPOs) and trade their securities on the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE). Experts believe the move will stimulate stock market development and attract foreign investors. Several years ago, shares of five major state-owned enterprises, Kyrgyzaltyn, Kyrgyztelecom, Manas International Airport, Uchkun (the state printing house), and RSK Bank, were listed on KSE. The initiative served as a testing ground for improving corporate governance. At the time, stock exchange representatives noted that the process enabled state companies to modernize their operations and expand without relying on loans. “The IPO is just the beginning. According to KSE listing requirements, companies must maintain transparency, conduct public operations, and provide ongoing financial and economic disclosures to sustain investor confidence,” said KSE President Medet Nazaraliyev. Nazaraliyev told The Times of Central Asia (TCA) that the shareholders of KSE include the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and the Istanbul Exchange, making it possible for foreign investors to participate in Kyrgyz securities trading. Additionally, under Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) agreements, investors from across the bloc can freely purchase shares in local companies. “Transferring the trading of all state-owned companies’ securities to KSE aims to consolidate the market and ensure that state enterprises receive high-quality financial services. KSE is also working on expanding its investor base and exploring opportunities to enter foreign markets, all in the interests of our issuers,” KSE Vice President Myktybek Abirov told TCA. According to Abirov, 24 state-owned enterprises are currently listed on the exchange. Under Kyrgyz law, all transactions involving securities of open joint-stock companies must be conducted on KSE. Last year, U.S. credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings joined KSE’s list of official evaluators, alongside Kazakh and Russian firms. This partnership facilitates independent assessments of green and gender bonds issued by the exchange. Furthermore, S&P’s involvement enhances the credibility and attractiveness of Kyrgyz securities for foreign investors. In the middle of 2024, the volume of capitalization of KSE amounted to $636 million.

2 months ago