Deputy: Kyrgyz Mountain Trout Has Export Potential, Domestic Producers Need Support

- At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Agricultural Policy, held on January 12, 2026, Deputy Santalat Amanova emphasized the need to reduce dependence on imported supplies and to expand the country's export capabilities, particularly in the field of fisheries.

She noted that while the import of sea and ocean iodized fish is important, careful consideration should be given to whether the proposed bill could lead to negative consequences for local fish farmers.

Deputy Minister of Economy Choro Seyitov reported on the plans of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture to analyze import and export volumes. He added that within the framework of the EAEU, Kyrgyzstan can impose temporary restrictions on imports for up to six months in the event of a sharp increase in supplies or the emergence of threats to the domestic market. If necessary, the deputy minister added, protective measures may be introduced.

During the discussion, Amanova also highlighted the export potential of Kyrgyz mountain trout, emphasizing the importance of legislative support for domestic producers in the context of the current program for the development of aquaculture until 2029.

On the committee's agenda was the draft law "On the Ratification of the Protocol Amending the Marrakech Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization," which provides for Kyrgyzstan's accession to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

This document is necessary to carry out the internal procedures related to the entry into force of the Agreement adopted on June 17, 2022, at the 12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Geneva. The Agreement is the first multilateral document with binding legal force aimed at protecting the environment and the sustainable use of marine biological resources.

The fisheries subsidies agreement includes a ban on government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as for the processing of fish stocks. It also establishes key terms in the field of fisheries, regulates notification of the detention of vessels suspected of illegal activities, and defines the functions of the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies.

As a result of the discussion, the committee approved the bill in the first reading.