As the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Kingdom, I have the honour to introduce you to Kyrgyzstan – a country where ancient traditions harmoniously blend with modern aspirations. Our nation, often called the “Switzerland of Central Asia”, offers a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and remarkable economic potential.
Divine Mountains and Sustainable Development
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a land of stunning natural beauty. Our land is dominated by the majestic Tien Shan Mountain range, called Ala-Too or the “Divine Mountains”. These peaks, together with our crystal-clear alpine lakes such as Issyk-Kul – the second-largest saline lake in the world after the Caspian Sea – create a truly unique landscape in the region.
Over 90% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory is mountainous, and we are actively promoting issues of adaptation and increasing the resilience of mountain regions to climate change, improving the living conditions of mountain communities, and protecting mountain ecosystems at the global international level, with a particular focus on the problems of melting glaciers and natural disasters.
To address these challenges, we have now initiated a new global dialogue on “Mountains and Climate Change” within the framework of the COP, to unite the efforts of governments, international organizations, scientific and business circles, as well as civil society.
Recognizing the importance of our mountain ecosystems, we have launched a number of national initiatives, such as “Mountains of Kyrgyzstan”, to promote responsible ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, and support for local mountain communities.
Walking through the historic streets of London, I am often struck by the contrast with our capital, Bishkek. While London can boast its famous red double-decker buses and centuries-old architecture, Bishkek offers a fascinating blend of Soviet-era buildings and modern constructions, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This juxtaposition of old and new reflects Kyrgyzstan’s journey – a path that honours our nomadic heritage while embracing the opportunities of the 21st century.
Economic Renaissance: A Story of Growth and Resilience
Kyrgyzstan’s economic trajectory in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. We have achieved an average GDP growth rate of 7% over the past four years, with the latest data showing a real growth rate of 8.7%. To put this into perspective for our British friends, imagine if the UK economy, already one of the largest in the world, were to grow at this pace – the impact would be transformative.
This growth is not just statistics; it is improving lives across our country. We have been able to raise salaries for teachers, doctors, and cultural workers, bringing their earning potential closer to Western European standards. In 2023 alone, we built 105 new schools – a national record that expands educational opportunities for our youth.
The Kumtor mine, one of the largest gold deposits in the world, has come under full state control, marking a significant achievement for the Kyrgyz economy. Now, the gold mined at Kumtor is sold at world prices on the London Metal Exchange in the UK. This has significantly increased the country’s revenues, bringing greater profits to the people and contributing to the strengthening of the economy.
Social Progress: Building a Brighter Future
Our economic achievements have translated into tangible social progress. The number of families living below the poverty line has decreased significantly, from 111,000 in 2022 to 81,000 in 2024. While these numbers may seem small compared to the population of the United Kingdom, for a country of 7 million people, this represents a substantial improvement in the quality of life for many of our citizens.
We are also making great strides in housing construction. In 2023, over 1.5 million square meters of housing were built, surpassing Soviet-era records. To put this into context for our British readers, this is equivalent to building around 15,000 average-sized homes in the UK in a single year.
Investment Opportunities: The Hidden Gem of Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan is rapidly becoming an attractive destination for international investment. Our strategic location at the crossroads of major Eurasian trade routes positions us as a gateway between Europe and Asia. The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will further improve our connectivity, offering exciting opportunities for businesses looking to access these markets.
We offer a liberal investment climate with streamlined procedures for foreign investors. Our country provides significant tax incentives, including a 0% tax rate for IT companies and a 10% rate for most other sectors – significantly lower than the corporate tax rate in the UK.
Success stories of foreign investment are already unfolding across Kyrgyzstan. The British mining company “Chaarat Gold” is successfully operating at the Tulkubash gold deposit, bringing benefits to both investors and local communities.
New opportunities are opening up for the implementation of large-scale projects in the field of clean, renewable energy. The construction and launch of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station, capable of generating serious capacities, is crucial for the future of all of Central Asia. The project will provide Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia with clean green energy at the lowest cost, helping the region transition to a greener future.
In the tourism sector, we have numerous success stories. Visitors from around the world, including the UK, are discovering the charm of our country. Recently, a group of British tourists hiked around Issyk-Kul Lake, admiring its crystal-clear waters and majestic mountains. They were particularly impressed by the warm hospitality of the local communities and the richness of the cultural traditions they encountered along the way. Kyrgyzstan is preparing to launch new tourism infrastructure projects, such as “Kyrgyzstan Courchevel”, the largest ski resort in Central Asia, with 200 kilometers of ski slopes.
Kyrgyzstan is also a thriving hub for cultural exchange. We are proud of our partnership with the UK, which has facilitated numerous joint artistic and educational projects. One shining example is the art exhibition “Kyrgyzstan: The Land of Manas”, organized in London by Kyrgyz and British artists. The exhibition introduced the British public to Kyrgyzstan’s rich epic tradition and fostered intercultural dialogue and understanding.
These success stories are just a small part of the opportunities that Kyrgyzstan offers. We invite investors, tourists, and cultural figures from the UK and other countries to become part of our evolving success story.
Key sectors ripe for investment include:
1.Renewable energy: With abundant hydro and solar resources, we are poised to become a regional leader in clean green energy.
2. Mining: Rich deposits of gold, rare earth metals, and other minerals offer lucrative opportunities.
3.Tourism: From world-class ski resorts to untouched natural beauty, our tourism sector is primed for growth. We are particularly focusing on developing ecotourism in mountain regions to support local communities and encourage nature conservation.
- Agriculture:
Our organic farming methods and unique geographical conditions produce high-quality agricultural products.
- IT industry: The high intellectual potential of the youth and the most attractive conditions for creating technology parks contribute to the development of startups and innovative projects.
Sustainable Development: Leading by Example
Kyrgyzstan has made remarkable progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the 2023 Sustainable Development Report, we ranked 45th out of 166 countries – a testament to our commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
As someone who has witnessed the impacts of climate change both on the green hills of the British countryside and on the glaciers of Kyrgyzstan, I am particularly proud of our efforts in this area. We have ratified the Paris Climate Agreement and are actively working towards a greener future.
Cultural Richness: The Spirit of Kyrgyzstan
No portrayal of Kyrgyzstan would be complete without mentioning our rich cultural heritage. The Epic of Manas, the longest epic poem in the world, embodies the spirit and values of our people. As the great Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov once said: “In the era of global integration and rapid exchange of information, it is extremely important to preserve and develop national culture, language, and traditions”. This message guides our nation as we move into the future, cherishing our past.
Strengthening Ties with the United Kingdom
The ties between Kyrgyzstan and the United Kingdom continue to grow stronger. We are seeing an increase in educational exchanges, with more Kyrgyz students choosing to study at prestigious British universities through programs such as the Chevening Scholarships. Furthermore, cooperation between our countries in areas such as sustainable development and good governance is paving the way for even closer ties.
Personal Reflections
Serving as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I have had the honor of experiencing British culture firsthand. I have been struck by the similarities between our nations – the warmth of our people, the pride in our heritage, and the drive for innovation.
I recall a moment when I was hiking in the Lake District, which reminded me of our own Issyk-Kul Lake. It struck me then how our two nations, though geographically distant, share a deep respect for natural beauty and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.
Looking to the Future
As we mark the centenary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region this year – signifying the beginning of our modern statehood – we look to the future with optimism and determination. By 2030, we aim to reach a GDP of 30 billion US dollars, potentially elevating Kyrgyzstan to the level of upper-middle-income countries.
We invite people from the United Kingdom to be part of this journey. Whether as investors, tourists, or partners in cultural and educational exchanges, there is a place for you in Kyrgyzstan’s story.
In conclusion, I would like to invite you to explore the opportunities that Kyrgyzstan offers. Our doors are open, our potential is immense, and our hospitality is warm. To learn more about investment opportunities or to plan your visit, please contact our embassy or visit our official website https://mfa.gov.kg/en/dm/vb
Come and discover the hidden gem of Central Asia – a land where ancient traditions meet modern ambitions, and where your next great adventure or business opportunity awaits.
Author:H.E. Mr. Ulan Djusupov,Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, Iceland.
