In Bishkek, a presentation of the acceleration program was held at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized by the National Association of Cooperatives and Other Economic Communities of Kazakhstan (NACOFEC). This event marked the first introduction of Kyrgyz entrepreneurs to the opportunities provided by NACOFEC, particularly direct access to one of the largest retail chains in China — China Co-op.
According to information provided by the Chamber of Commerce, NACOFEC is actively developing export corridors in Kazakhstan and now intends to expand its influence in the Kyrgyz market. The event was attended by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the Export Development and Promotion Center "Kyrgyz Export" under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, as well as agribusinessmen and export-oriented entrepreneurs.
The main outcome of the meeting was the announcement of the implementation of mechanisms that are already successfully functioning within the framework of NACOFEC's partnership with the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC). This creates an opportunity for Kyrgyz producers of organic products to occupy shelf space in a network that covers 341,000 retail outlets across China.
The Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Avazbek Kerimbaev, emphasized that entering the Chinese market opens new horizons for the economy of Kyrgyzstan.
“The Chinese market is becoming increasingly attractive, and Kyrgyzstan has all the opportunities to carve out its niche. Our colleagues from Kazakhstan, having significant experience in exporting to China, are ready to share their knowledge and assist in establishing laboratories in our country. Establishing supplies to China will be a powerful stimulus for the growth of Kyrgyzstan's economy,” he noted.
The President of NACOFEC, Kazybek Shaikh, highlighted the importance of regional integration.
“We have brought to Kyrgyzstan a proven export technology. Kazakhstan's experience shows that uniting small and medium producers into sustainable export chains is the only way to succeed in such a vast market as China. Kyrgyzstan's products are unique in their ecological quality, and our task is to provide them with a 'green corridor' from certification to the shelves of China Co-op. This is the first, but crucial step towards creating a unified organic brand for Central Asia,” he added.
During the presentation, a practical work algorithm was introduced, which is now available to Kyrgyz producers. It includes direct access to the China Co-op network as part of the "Central Asia Organic Products Shelf" project, as well as acceleration and training on packaging adaptation and certification. Additionally, it provides for the conclusion of offtake contracts for guaranteed product sales, technological transfer, and the implementation of small industrialization for processing raw materials directly in Kyrgyzstan.
Participants of the event noted that utilizing successful practices from Kazakhstan will allow Kyrgyz businesses to significantly accelerate their entry into the Chinese market and avoid common mistakes in exporting.
The event concluded with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between NACOFEC and the Chamber of Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, aimed at supporting Kyrgyz producers in international markets and developing cooperative, production, sales, and financial infrastructure in the country.
