Kyrgyzstan International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

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Eurasian Development Bank To Finance Another Solar Plant in Kyrgyzstan

The Eurasian Development Bank has signed an agreement to finance the construction of a solar power plant in the village of Toru-Aigyr in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region. The project, which will use photovoltaic solar energy conversion with an installed capacity of up to 300 MW, will be undertaken in partnership with Bishkek Solar LLC. EDB has commented: "The project includes several key agreements, including an agreement with JSC "NES Kyrgyzstan" to purchase all electricity for 25 years, an agreement on public-private partnership with the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as an investment agreement on the implementation of the project with the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic for 25 years." It is assumed that EDB will work out the terms of long-term financing, including the involvement of tied funding in the amount of up to $210 million (in Chinese yuans) for 15 years. The facility is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of 2025. Added EDB senior managing director Denis Ilyin: "This project is of key importance for the development of the renewable energy sector, and in particular solar energy, in the Kyrgyz Republic, contributing to improving energy security and stability, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The power plant will fully comply with international environmental and technical standards." EDB is currently also financing the construction in Kyrgyzstan of the Kulanak hydropower plant. It is expected that the Kulanak project, which is part of the megaproject "Water and Energy Complex of Central Asia", will increase the level of energy security and strengthen Kyrgyzstan's position in the Central Asian electricity market .

Central Asia International Affairs Kyrgyzstan International Affairs Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

NGOs in Kyrgyzstan Have Two Months to Register as “Foreign Agents”

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Justice has approved the creation of a register for "non-governmental organizations performing the functions of a foreign representative", which gives authorities the right to inspect their activities. All non-profit agencies that receive foreign funding have been given two months from 16 May to submit documents to the ministry. Kyrgyz president Sadyr Zhaparov signed the law "on Foreign Representatives" on April 2, despite over 100 organizations and civil society figures appealing for him not to do so. Zhaparov made assurances at the time that non-governmental organizations would not be persecuted. Local NGOs funded from abroad that are engaged in political activities in Kyrgyzstan are now recognized as "performing the functions of a foreign representative", and are placed in a separate register. Organizations included in this register -- so-called 'foreign agents' -- may be subjected to various unscheduled inspections. Several international organizations, as well as the United States and certain countries in the European Union, have voiced criticisms of the new law. After it came into force, the Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation announced that it would be terminating its activities in Kyrgyzstan.

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Japanese Company to Develop Urban Master Plan for Bishkek

A Memorandum of Cooperation in urban planning and architecture has been signed between the Bishkek municipality and Nikken Sekkei Ltd, a Japanese architectural, planning and engineering firm. Based on a survey of amenities required by the capital’s citizens, the project represents the Japanese company’s first foray into urban planning in Central Asia. The project was approved by the Chief Architect of Bishkek, Urmat Karybaev, who accompanied Mayor of Bishkek Aibek Junushaliev during their attendance at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024. Hosted by Tokyo last week, the large-scale event brought together leaders from cities in five continents to exchange ideas and discuss advanced technologies and strategies aimed at sustainable urban development. As reported by the municipality’s press service, the deal substantially satisfied Bishkek’s goal to establish new partnerships, exchange knowledge and adopt best practices for the further development of the city.

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Kyrgyzstan and China Aim to Increase Trade

On May 18 in Bishkek, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Japarov held talks with Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Liu Guozhong. Emphasizing that China is one of Kyrgyzstan’s main trade and investment partners, Japarov stated that bilateral trade turnover is growing every year and reached $19.8 billion in 2023, an increase of 30% compared to 2022. “But this is not the limit, and the Kyrgyz Republic is ready to jointly make efforts to increase all trade and economic indicators,” he stated. Japarov stressed the importance of the full and uninterrupted functionality of the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border to further increases in trade between the two countries. According to Japarov, the Kyrgyz side is aiming to develop transport and logistics infrastructure, removing restrictions that impede trade exchanges, and creating mutually beneficial conditions. “We would like to expand our capabilities and switch to daily and round-the-clock operation of these border checkpoints. I believe this will also be useful for the Chinese side, as it will allow an even larger volume of cargo and goods to be exported from China to Kyrgyzstan, and on to third countries. We are aiming to increase the throughput capacity of the border checkpoints to 1,000 vehicles per day,” the prime minister said. Kyrgyzstan also expects to sign protocols on new types of agricultural products and simplify procedures for the export of these products from Kyrgyzstan to China. In turn, Vice Premier Liu Guozhong noted the high level of Kyrgyz-Chinese relations and the readiness to further develop and strengthen mutually beneficial and multifaceted cooperation. Guozhong stated that construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is of strategic importance for the entire region and urged that its construction start sooner. He also noted the importance of increasing trade turnover, increasing the capacity at border checkpoints, opening the new Bedel border checkpoint this year, and expanding cooperation in tourism. Guozhong also stated that the Chinese market is open to the import of Kyrgyz agricultural products.

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Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia to Revive Bilateral Cooperation

On 15 May, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim paid an official visit to Bishkek to engage in talks with President Sadyr Japarov. The agenda focused on the current state of the countries’ bilateral cooperation and the potential for further development in sectors including agriculture, tourism, energy, renewable energy sources, mining, infrastructure, information technology, and the halal industry. The meeting concluded with the signing of a ‘Joint Statement on the comprehensive enhancement of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and Malaysia’, described by President Japarov as a road map for the further development of Kyrgyz-Malaysian relations. At a meeting later in the day with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Japarov emphasized the importance of joint efforts in the implementation of a more comprehensive business partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia. In this regard, Akylbek Japarov proposed the immediate revival of the Special Kyrgyz-Malaysian Joint Commission, which created in 1997, had proved an effective means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries. In addition, he invited Malaysian investors to collaborate in projects concerning renewable energy sources, mining, the halal industry, and education, as well as exchanging experience in the field of Islamic finance. The two countries also opened negotiations for the introduction of direct flights between Bishkek and Kuala Lumpur. In response to the meeting, the Prime Minister of Malaysia emphasized his readiness to develop and strengthen the high potential of bilateral cooperation across the board. Towards this goal, he spoke of Malaysia’s interest in establishing cooperation in the banking sector and opening a bank in Kyrgyzstan, and with reference to education, said that his government was considering reducing the fees for Kyrgyz students from low-income families wishing to study in his country.

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New Program Lets Kyrgyz Students Study For Diplomas in Germany

Kyrgyz students can now study at vocational schools in Germany, under a new project between the country's ministry of education and a German company, FAV Service gGmbH. As 24.kg reports, referencing the agency's press service, the partnership has been created to train Kyrgyz professionals to work in both countries. Applicants must be citizens of Kyrgyzstan between 18-26 years old, who speak German to at least a "B2" level. Project participants will be provided with a place to study in Germany. During three years of study, students will receive support from German partners in finding housing, help in setting up an account in a German bank, and will receive a stipend from 939 euros per month and medical insurance. After graduation, participants will receive a diploma that is recognized worldwide.