Investment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Investment

Kyrgyzstan Sees Rising Pakistani Investment Amid Expanding Economic Partnership

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan has more than doubled over the past five years, rising from $2 million in 2020 to $4.6 million in 2024, according to the National Investment Agency. A sharp spike occurred in 2023, when Pakistani FDI reached $6.9 million, reflecting growing interest from Pakistani businesses in the Kyrgyz market. “Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan demonstrate stable, positive dynamics of cooperation. The number of joint projects in agriculture, energy, trade, and the digital economy is expanding every year. We see high potential for further deepening of the partnership,” said Farkhat Iminov, Director of the National Investment Agency. Expanding Sectoral Cooperation On August 6, Iminov met with Marwan Alex Ayyash, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan. The Pakistani side expressed interest in developing cooperation in Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector, particularly in gold, tungsten, copper, and granite deposits. Earlier, on July 28, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan held the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. The key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency and Pakistan’s Investment Board. The agreement aims to implement joint projects and expand cooperation in priority sectors including tourism, energy, agriculture, industry, transport, and logistics.

Foreign Investment

Kyrgyzstan Sees Continued Growth in Foreign Direct Investment

Kyrgyzstan continues to show steady growth in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with figures exceeding pre-pandemic levels. According to the National Statistical Committee, FDI reached over $1 billion in 2024, and the positive momentum has continued into 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, Kyrgyzstan attracted $288.3 million in direct investment, up 44% compared to the same period in 2024. The National Statistical Committee categorizes investments as coming from either Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries or non-CIS countries, with volumes from both sources remaining roughly comparable. Among non-CIS nations, China maintained its position as Kyrgyzstan’s largest investor, contributing $66.3 million during the first quarter. Among CIS countries, Russia led with $56 million, while Kazakhstan remained a key regional partner with nearly $50 million invested from January to March 2025. Other CIS countries contributed considerably smaller amounts. Turkey also continues to play a significant role, investing $62 million in Kyrgyzstan’s production sector. Other notable contributors include the Netherlands, with $23.8 million. Uzbekistan demonstrated marked growth, following the signing of a bilateral agreement on the demarcation of certain border areas and water resources. Uzbek investments reached more than $5 million in the first quarter of 2025, up sharply from $237,000 in all of 2024. India likewise recorded a surge in investment, increasing from $91,000 in 2024 to $1.9 million in the first three months of 2025, an almost 2,000% rise. Bishkek remains the country’s most attractive destination for foreign investment, drawing more than $525 million in 2024. The Chui region ranks second, driven by the expansion of factories and processing enterprises with foreign participation. The manufacturing sector continues to be the primary target for foreign investment, followed by financial intermediation and insurance. Additional capital is flowing into mineral extraction, trade, and equipment repair.

Construction

Kyrgyzstan Tops EAEU in Construction Growth Despite Labor Woes

Kyrgyzstan recorded the highest growth in construction activity among member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) during the first half of 2025, according to data published by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Infrastructure Boom Drives Expansion Between January and May 2025, construction volumes in Kyrgyzstan nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2024. Last year, the sector had already grown by 38% year-on-year. Armenia followed with a growth rate of 29%, while Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia posted more modest increases of 15.4%, 12.3%, and 5.5% respectively. Across the EAEU, construction grew by an average of 6.8%. The primary drivers of Kyrgyzstan’s construction boom include extensive state and private investment in housing, infrastructure, and industrial development. The government has focused on building hydroelectric power plants, residential complexes, and administrative buildings. Notably, the state mortgage program offers housing loans at 4-8% interest rates, well below market levels. From January to April 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers allocated nearly $500 million toward housing projects, supplemented by $77 million in equity financing. To help stabilize construction costs, the government also classified cement as a socially significant good, subject to price controls. According to The Times of Central Asia, investment in housing, infrastructure, and social facilities rose by 62% year-on-year during the first four months of 2025, reaching approximately $800 million, the highest figure in recent years. The construction sector contributed an estimated 3% to Kyrgyzstan’s GDP growth in the first half of the year. Quality and Labor Concerns Persist Despite these achievements, concerns are growing over construction quality and labor shortages. Residents in major cities report poorly planned developments that lack supporting infrastructure, including roads and essential utilities such as water and electricity. Speaking to The Times of Central Asia, construction auditor Bakhtiar Kasymaliyev highlighted critical challenges in project execution. “We have serious problems with quality and professionalism,” he said. “There is a shortage of skilled concrete workers and bricklayers. They are in high demand. As a temporary solution, companies are bringing in labor from Pakistan, India, and Egypt, but most of them are unskilled. To improve quality, we need to attract qualified specialists from abroad.” According to Kasymaliyev, the labor shortage is already impacting project timelines and structural integrity, raising red flags amid the sector’s rapid expansion.

State Visit

Opinion: Mirziyoyev’s Historic Visit Opens New Era for Uzbekistan-Mongolia Ties

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev embarked on a historic journey to Mongolia on June 24-25, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. This landmark visit, the first of its kind in over thirty years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, signifies a new era of collaboration and potential growth in Central Asia. Accompanied by his wife, Mirziyoyev was warmly received in Ulaanbaatar by Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and a host of other dignitaries. Their arrival set the stage for discussions aimed at unlocking vast opportunities for multifaceted cooperation and development, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future. Despite the significant geographical distance that separates Uzbekistan and Mongolia, the two nations are witnessing a remarkable evolution in their bilateral relations. This burgeoning partnership spans several domains, including diplomacy, economics, transportation, culture, and humanitarian efforts. A pivotal moment in this relationship was marked by the recent inauguration of the Mongolian Embassy in Tashkent, which symbolizes a commitment to fostering closer ties. Additionally, the increased frequency of intergovernmental and interparliamentary dialogue reflects a shared ambition to enhance collaboration. The signing of 14 bilateral agreements further underscores a mutual desire to cultivate trust and strengthen the partnership, paving the way for a promising future. In recent years, the partnership between Uzbekistan and Mongolia has experienced a remarkable surge in trade and investment. This dynamic growth is underpinned by a robust and multifaceted cooperation that spans numerous sectors, showcasing the commitment of both nations to strengthening ties. Between 2018 and 2023, trade between Uzbekistan and Mongolia experienced a significant increase, rising by more than 8.8 times. This impressive upward trajectory has continued into the early months of 2025, with preliminary data indicating a sustained expansion. Uzbekistan exports a variety of goods to Mongolia, including vital agricultural and industrial products, while Mongolia has ramped up its livestock exports, enriching the trading landscape. The establishment of numerous joint ventures exemplifies, with many ventures operating in Uzbekistan featuring 100% Mongolian capital, primarily in the realms of trade and services. Both nations are actively identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaborative projects in critical areas, including logistics, agro-processing, and machinery manufacturing. A particular emphasis is placed on joint production initiatives in sectors such as leather, wool, and cashmere processing, as well as the fabrication of electrical equipment, machinery, and construction materials. Agricultural cooperation is also a key focus, with plans for joint clusters and projects aimed at the processing and production of meat, dairy, wool, and leather products. Enhancing transport interconnectivity and developing innovative logistics routes are prioritized, with a direct air service between the capitals anticipated to be in place by the end of the year. Cultural and humanitarian exchanges are being fostered through initiatives such as the Days of Uzbek Culture, which take place in Ulaanbaatar, and the return of Mongolian students to Uzbek universities. The recent meeting between the President of Uzbekistan and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, marked a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both leaders engaged in productive...

Renewable energy

Investors Push Back Against New Renewable Energy Bill in Kyrgyzstan

A new draft law proposed by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy has sparked concern among renewable energy investors. The legislation, currently under public review until June 20, 2025, imposes new financial and technical obligations on owners of small hydropower plants as well as solar and wind power installations. Following the review period, the bill will be submitted to the president for approval. Key Provisions and Investor Backlash Under the proposed law, operators of small hydroelectric and other renewable energy facilities would be required to pay 1% of their electricity sales revenue to local authorities. Additionally, they must maintain the ability to accumulate at least 30% of the station’s installed capacity. The draft also stipulates that electricity generated from renewable energy sources (RES), which is neither consumed by the producer nor sold under contract, will be priced at the average tariff of the previous year. Lawmakers claim the bill ensures transmission support for RES providers, mandating that distribution companies and relevant organizations enable the smooth delivery of electricity from private generators to consumers, provided the infrastructure allows. However, industry representatives argue that the legislation could stall growth in the sector. A letter from a consortium of small hydropower companies in the Chui and Issyk-Kul regions warns that the proposed changes create unnecessary obstacles and risk deterring both domestic and foreign investment. “No domestic, let alone foreign, investor will be interested in implementing renewable energy projects if the payback period at a tariff of 1.71 KGS ($0.020) per kWh is extended to 20-25 years,” said Rakhatbek Irsaliyev, director of the consortium. “This is especially true given that such projects are not implemented for personal use or resale, but to cover the country’s growing electricity deficit.” The consortium is urging the government to revisit its tariff policy. Specifically, they are calling for a system that allows energy producers to sell at updated, higher rates, rather than last year’s average. In Kyrgyzstan, electricity tariffs are typically adjusted annually on May 1. Broader Energy Context Kyrgyzstan has long touted its substantial energy potential, particularly in hydropower. With abundant rivers and glaciers, it ranks third in hydropower resources among CIS countries, following Russia and Tajikistan. Yet, less than 10% of this potential is currently being utilized. Government efforts to address the energy shortfall include the commissioning of 18 small hydropower plants in 2025 and the expansion of wind and solar infrastructure nationwide. A major project, Kambarata HPP-1 on the Naryn River, is also in development, involving cooperation with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the CASA-1000 initiative is nearing completion. This project aims to export summer surplus electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan. Despite this progress, international organizations like the World Bank have urged Kyrgyzstan to raise electricity tariffs for both residential and commercial users. Since 2024, the government has begun implementing gradual tariff hikes, but experts argue that the pace is insufficient. “The tariffs set for industrial and commercial consumers allow costs to be recouped. These categories pay a fair price,” said Katarina Gassner, a World...

Science

Kazakhstan Invests in Science, But Economic Impact Remains Low

Over the past five years, Kazakhstan has nearly tripled its research and development (R&D) spending, reaching $430 million in 2024. Despite this, science's contribution to the national economy remains minimal, just 0.16% of GDP. This figure is among the lowest for countries striving toward technological advancement, according to analysts at Ranking.kz. Almaty: Kazakhstan’s Scientific Hub Nearly half of last year’s R&D spending was concentrated in Almaty, which accounted for 43.1% of total investment, equivalent to $186 million. Astana followed with 20.4% ($88 million), while other regions lagged significantly. In the Ulytau region, for instance, only $67,000 was allocated to scientific endeavors. Almaty retains its status as the country’s scientific capital thanks to its concentration of research institutions. Of the 423 organizations engaged in R&D nationwide, 142 are based in the city. Almaty hosts major institutions such as the National Academy of Sciences, the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute, the Institute of Seismology, and the Kazakh Institute of Oncology. Human Capital and Scientist Salaries Kazakhstan’s researchers are the backbone of its scientific sector. In 2024, spending on salaries for scientific personnel rose to $226 million, marking a 32.1% increase. Almaty employed 10,600 of the country’s 27,100 researchers, representing 39.2% of the national total. This figure has grown by 20% over the past five years. A key metric of scientific engagement is the number of researchers per 10,000 employed persons. In OECD countries, this figure ranges from 40 to 238. In Kazakhstan, it stands at just 23.7. Almaty leads domestically with 83.2 researchers per 10,000 employed, underscoring its pivotal role. State Dependency and Business Apathy One of the major challenges facing Kazakh science is its overwhelming dependence on public funding. More than 77% of research financing in Kazakhstan comes from the state; in Almaty, this figure is 87.5%. In contrast, government contributions in developed countries average around 40%. This imbalance limits commercialization potential, dampens private sector interest, and constrains technological progress. As noted in a national report on science, “knowledge and innovation in Kazakhstan are separated from the economy. The state’s task is to ensure that R&D results are incorporated into the real sector, to create demand for research, and to stimulate private investment in science”. Alatau: A New Frontier for Scientific Growth One proposed solution lies in the development of Alatau, a newly emerging scientific and innovation hub. Plans are underway to build a "science city" equipped with facilities for start-ups, technology parks, and manufacturing based on R&D. The area will form part of a special economic zone offering tax incentives and large-scale investment opportunities. Combining Almaty's intellectual capital with Alatau’s potential could catalyze the development of a knowledge-based economy and position Kazakhstan competitively in the global technology race.