Kyrgyzstan has launched its own gold storage facility, built to international standards and capable of holding up to 1,000 tons of gold. Until now, the country stored its gold reserves abroad. President Sadyr Japarov announced the development during the October 28 inauguration of the new National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) building in Bishkek.
Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan can now not only securely store its gold domestically but also offer storage services to foreign partners.
According to the National Bank, Kyrgyzstan’s international reserves, comprising gold and foreign currency, have reached a historic high of $7.55 billion.
Data from the World Gold Council shows that Kyrgyzstan’s gold reserves rose by 4.68 tons in the second quarter of this year, totaling 38.95 tons.
Japarov reaffirmed that maintaining the stability of the national currency, the som, remains the National Bank’s top priority. “This is a responsible mission that directly affects the lives of every citizen and the well-being of every family. Public trust in the som is an indicator of the state’s strength,” he said, noting that the currency is now regarded as one of the most stable in Central Asia.
During the ceremony, officials announced that domestic printing of 20- and 50-som banknotes will begin on November 17, with production of all other denominations scheduled to start by mid-2026
Currently, Kyrgyzstan circulates banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 som.
Previously, the country’s banknotes were produced in several European countries. The new series will be printed by the Bishkek-based company Uchkun (Open Joint Stock Company) and will meet international standards for security and counterfeit protection.
