UNDP Helps Entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan Master E-Commerce

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More than 50 entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan are learning about e-commerce through the “Janyration Sanarip” program, an initiative aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the country, jointly implemented by the government of Kyrgyzstan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNDP Kyrgyzstan reports.

According to Nazarbek Malayev, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce, “E-commerce opens up unique opportunities for domestic entrepreneurs to enter international markets, expand their customer base, and improve the competitiveness of their products. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic is trying to create a favorable ecosystem where digital technologies contribute to business development and improve citizens’ quality of life.”

Since 2019, e-commerce in Kyrgyzstan has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the development of internet infrastructure and an increase in mobile payment users. However, the sector faces several challenges, such as a lack of consumer trust in online shopping and limited internet access in rural areas, where 60% of the population lives. In response to these challenges, the government launched the E-Commerce Development Program for 2023-2026, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local products in international markets and attracting investments. Within this initiative, UNDP provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, helping them acquire e-commerce skills and work effectively on global marketplaces.

UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, Alexandra Solovieva, commented: “Digitalization is a key factor in bridging the digital divide and accelerating Kyrgyzstan’s economic development. E-commerce improves access to services and creates new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. We are confident that the joint efforts of the Government and UNDP will contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural areas where internet access remains limited.”

Five hundred forty-two applications were submitted for the program, and entrepreneurs were selected based on several criteria, including having an existing business in Kyrgyzstan and a personal investment of at least 80,000 KGS (almost $1,000). These entrepreneurs, representing key sectors such as garment manufacturing, tourism, honey production, light industry, services, and trade, were selected from all regions of the country.

Kyrgyzstan is the world’s 96th largest market for e-commerce, with a predicted revenue of more than $359 million in 2024, placing it ahead of Uzbekistan.
The country’s e-commerce revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.5% from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a projected market volume of $595.7 million by 2028.
Sergey Kwan

Sergey Kwan

Sergey Kwan has worked for The Times of Central Asia as a journalist, translator and editor since its foundation in March 1999. Prior to this, from 1996-1997, he worked as a translator at The Kyrgyzstan Chronicle, and from 1997-1999, as a translator at The Central Asian Post.
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Kwan studied at the Bishkek Polytechnic Institute from 1990-1994, before completing his training in print journalism in Denmark.

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