The Deputy Mayor of Bishkek, Azamat Kadyrov, reported that a working group had been formed to address this issue, which is expected to present its final recommendations by April 1.
According to Kadyrov, representatives of the city hall have already visited the market and held a meeting with the trade union. He noted that the trade union agreed to the increase in rent.
Additionally, Kadyrov added that research is currently being conducted regarding the use of containers by tenants to determine how many are being used directly and how many are being subleased. The analysis is in its final stage.
However, Bishkek City Council deputy Kazybek Ergeshov from the "Yntymak" party expressed doubt that the entrepreneurs' consent is voluntary. He noted that some may have agreed out of fear.
Ergeshov suggested that entrepreneurs might have agreed to the rent increase out of concerns about the market's closure, as it is municipal. He also mentioned that he has received requests from entrepreneurs asking not to increase the rent.
The deputy reminded that in 2024, rental payments at private markets were reduced by 50-60%, while at the "Oberon-Fort" market, the rates remained unchanged due to legal disputes. At the same time, an increase of 20% is planned.
Kadyrov, for his part, emphasized that tenants at this market pay some of the lowest rates.
“I would like to note that the lowest rental payments at the 'Dordoy' market are paid by entrepreneurs operating at the 'Oberon-Fort' market. These are indeed minimal rates. There are also BGK deputies among the tenants who rent containers and conduct their trading activities there. Their interests may influence the issues raised, despite the fact that most tenants agree to the increase. The trade union has also made a video appeal,” Kadyrov added.
According to him, the rent increase will range from 200 to 600 soms per month depending on the area of the trading container.
The deputy also noted that the rise in rent could affect the prices of goods.
“An increase in rent directly impacts the rise in prices for food and meat, resulting in pressure on the final consumer,” Kadyrov noted.
Furthermore, Kadyrov reported that the city hall is analyzing subleasing at the market and plans to eliminate cases where containers are leased to third parties. The main goal of this work is to ensure that trading spaces are used directly by the entrepreneurs who are engaged in trade.
The working group is expected to present its final proposals on this issue by April 1.
