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Ecotourism

Ecotourism Revenues More Than Double as Visitor Numbers Rise in Kyrgyzstan

Ecotourism in Kyrgyzstan is gaining momentum, with revenues from visits to specially protected natural areas more than doubling in 2025, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision. Total revenue reached approximately $431,000, marking a 105% year-on-year increase. The surge reflects growing interest in nature-based tourism. In 2025, more than 271,000 tourists visited Kyrgyzstan’s nature reserves and national parks, a 24% increase compared with the previous year. Domestic tourism remains the main driver. Around 250,500 visitors were Kyrgyz citizens, while the number of foreign tourists also continued to rise steadily. Protected natural areas now cover 7.38% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory. The system includes 10 state nature reserves, covering 509,900 hectares, and 13 state nature parks with a total area of 724,900 hectares. These areas are designated to preserve unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and rare or endangered species. Among the most prominent sites are the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised area known for its alpine lake; the Issyk-Kul State Nature Reserve; and Ala-Archa National Park, located near Bishkek and popular with both local residents and international visitors. In April 2025, Kyrgyzstan launched the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor in the Issyk-Kul region, a major conservation initiative aimed at protecting endangered wildlife. The corridor spans more than 792,000 hectares and connects several key protected areas, including Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve, and Naryn Nature Reserve. The project is intended to provide a safe habitat for snow leopards and other vulnerable species, while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Growth in ecotourism is being accompanied by broader environmental initiatives. Under the national “Jashyl Muras” (Green Heritage) campaign, Kyrgyzstan is implementing reforestation and landscaping programmes in protected areas. In 2025 alone, more than 25,200 tree saplings were planted across 39 hectares, contributing to the restoration of natural ecosystems. Officials say that efforts to expand conservation areas, improve tourism infrastructure, and promote sustainable travel are helping position Kyrgyzstan as an increasingly attractive destination for environmentally conscious travelers.

Agricultural Export

Kazakhstan Increased Agricultural Export Revenue by More than a Third in 2025

Export revenues from Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex reached $7 billion in 2025, an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov. A year earlier, export revenues from agriculture totaled $5.1 billion. That figure was nearly 1.7 times higher than in 2018, when Kazakhstan’s farmers exported $3.1 billion worth of products. According to Taszhurekov, more than half of the export revenue in 2025, about $3.6 billion, came from processed agricultural products. Supplies of processed goods to foreign markets grew by 35% compared to 2024, when their exports amounted to $2.7 billion. “Significant growth in production allows us not only to fully supply the domestic market, but also to actively increase export volumes,” the deputy minister said. He also noted that the share of processed products in total agricultural output continues to rise. While it accounted for about 50% in 2024, preliminary data for 2025 suggests this figure has increased to 60%. Overall, Kazakhstan’s gross agricultural output rose by 5.9% in 2025, reaching 9.8 trillion tenge (about $19.6 billion). Among the sector’s key achievements were high yields of grain and oilseeds. Last year, the country harvested 25.9 million tons of grain in net weight, including 19.3 million tons of wheat. A record harvest of oilseeds was also recorded at 4.8 million tons, along with more than 1 million tons of legumes. According to Taszhurekov, changes in the structure of cultivated areas were the result of a policy aimed at agricultural diversification. The area planted with wheat was reduced by nearly 900,000 hectares, while the area under legumes increased by 275,000 hectares and oilseed crops expanded by more than 1 million hectares. “This creates a more sustainable agricultural model and expands the raw material base for processing enterprises,” he said. One of the most promising areas of development remains deep grain processing. By 2028, Kazakhstan plans to launch new production facilities with a total capacity of 5.8 million tons per year. Investment in these projects is estimated at approximately 1.9 trillion tenge (about $3.8 billion), and more than 3,300 jobs are expected to be created. The product range will also expand, with enterprises planning to produce amino acids, syrups, vitamins, and other high-value processed products. Taszhurekov also noted the expansion of state support instruments for the agro-industrial complex. Preferential loans have been introduced for processing enterprises to purchase fixed assets at an interest rate of 2.5% and to finance working capital at a rate of 5%. In addition, investment subsidy programs have been expanded. While the standard reimbursement rate is 25%, it has been increased for several priority sectors, to 40% for sugar production and egg processing, and to 50% for high-tech agricultural industries. “Thanks to the state support measures adopted, the industry is showing steady positive dynamics,” the ministry representative said. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan also plans to bring one of its iconic agricultural products, Aport apples, to international markets.

Cinema

Kazakhstan’s Cinema Sees Record Growth in Attendance and Revenue

Cinema attendance in Kazakhstan grew by 11% in 2024, reaching a record 23 million viewers, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. This surpasses the previous year’s record of 21 million, reflecting a sustained recovery and growth in the country’s film industry. Of the total visits, foreign films accounted for 53%, approximately 12.2 million admissions, while domestic films drew 43% of the audience. Co-produced films made up the remaining 4%. Revenues from cinema screenings also hit a new high, reaching 43.9 billion tenge ($84.1 million) in 2024, up from 37.3 billion tenge ($71.5 million) the previous year. Domestic productions contributed 17.8 billion tenge ($34.1 million), marking a 19.3% increase from 2023. That year, revenue from Kazakhstani films grew by an impressive 58.5% compared to 2022. Foreign films generated 24.2 billion tenge ($46.3 million), showing a 17.8% increase over the previous year. Kazakhstan currently has 113 cinemas, with the largest concentrations in major cities: Almaty (22), Astana (11), and Shymkent (7). These cities also led in audience numbers, with Almaty recording 7.8 million visits, Astana 4 million, and Shymkent 1.9 million. In 2024, the Kazakh film industry produced 514 films, 127 more than in 2023. The breakdown includes 175 feature films, 215 documentaries, 83 animated films, and 41 newsreel-style chronicles. Feature-length films accounted for 18% of this output, with the rest being short films. However, despite increased production, the number of operational film studios fell from 98 in 2023 to 80 in 2024. This contraction highlights ongoing structural challenges in the sector, even amid growing output and audience engagement. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is leveraging its cinematic revival to reinforce national traditions and cultural identity.