The influx of foreign investments in Kyrgyzstan has increased by more than 21%, - NAI

Foreign direct investment in Kyrgyzstan has increased by more than 21%. This was reported on January 13 during a radio broadcast by the Deputy Director of the National Investment Agency under the President, Jalyn Zheenaliev.

As Zheenaliev noted, the main factors important for foreign and local investors are stability and guarantees for the return of investments. Statistical data confirms that the inflow of foreign investments has indeed increased by more than 21%.

He also emphasized that there is an activation of domestic investors who are directing their funds into various sectors such as tourism, industry, and processing.

The Deputy Director of the agency spoke about the work done to improve investment legislation, which was completed in 2025.

According to him, the new law, which came into effect in August 2025, was developed taking into account modern requirements and international experience, as the previous investment law had been in effect since 2003.

One of the main improvements was the legislative consolidation of mechanisms for protecting investors' rights. Zheenaliev explained that previously, investors' complaints were considered based on resolutions, but now this process is regulated by law.

In the event of violations by government agencies, the agency, in cooperation with the General Prosecutor's Office, participates in resolving conflicts through mediation, which, according to Zheenaliev, has helped preserve many jobs and protect investors' rights.

Moreover, the new law introduces decentralization of powers in the investment sphere. Previously, to conclude a contract for an amount exceeding 10 million dollars, an investor had to approach only the government. Now, local authorities, akimats, and city halls can conclude investment agreements for amounts ranging from 1 million to 1 billion soms, allowing projects to be implemented locally.

If a domestic investor requires a project for an amount of 10 million soms in regions such as Batken or Talas, they can approach local authorities to conclude a contract and receive benefits, Zheenaliev noted.

He also reminded about the adoption of a new law on public-private partnerships in 2021. In 2020, there were only three PPP projects in the country; however, after the implementation of the new law, their number has significantly increased.

According to Zheenaliev, over the past five years, the number of PPP projects has reached 87, with a total investment volume of 434 billion soms, which is a significant amount.

He added that the public-private partnership mechanism is widely used around the world, as it helps reduce the burden on the state budget and effectively attract private investments.

As an example of a large project, he cited the construction of the Makmal–Karakol railway in collaboration with an American company, for which a feasibility study is currently being developed.

This project envisions integration with the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan route and the creation of a railway ring that will connect Karakol, Balakchy, and Kochkor.

Additionally, projects in the transport sector are being implemented in the country, including paid highways that are already operational and significantly save time and resources for citizens. In Bishkek, the completion of a similar facility is planned for this year.