In December 2024, I was appointed as the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. Prior to this, I held the position of First Deputy Chairman of the same Cabinet. My experience includes extensive work in tax authorities, where I reached the level of a leader, as well as the position of Deputy Minister of Economy. Additionally, I served as Minister of Finance for four years.
My training in economics and finance has proven useful. The President tasked me with focusing on the economic component of the government's work and maintaining the GDP growth rates that were achieved earlier. In fact, I did not encounter difficulties in my work, as I focused primarily on the economy.
- How do you see Kyrgyzstan in ten years? Do you have plans?
We already have an adopted development strategy program until 2030, which sets a target GDP of at least 30 billion dollars.
- What is the current GDP level?
At the end of last year, the GDP was about 22.6 billion dollars.
- So, you plan to reach 30 billion by 2030?
No, we are counting on greater growth.
- Which sectors of the economy will contribute to this growth?
The main directions will be industry, construction, and the agricultural sector, which can grow by 2-4%. We plan to launch at least 100 new industrial enterprises. We are assisted in this by the experience of Uzbekistan, where we assign specific ministers to projects.
- Does this mean personal responsibility for ministers regarding projects?
Correct. I personally visit these sites regularly and clarify who is responsible for them. The ignorance of curators will, of course, lead to consequences for the ministers. This really yields results. We discussed this with our Uzbek colleagues, and they also hold ministers accountable.
- Can we say that Kyrgyzstan is becoming an "Asian tiger"?
We have the potential for a "Leap of the Snow Leopard".
- Is your program an economic program?
Yes, exactly.
- How close is Kyrgyzstan to other Asian tigers, such as Thailand and Vietnam?
I think we are already quite close to that.
- In 2025, Kyrgyzstan's GDP increased by 11%. How did you achieve this?
First of all, we improved investment legislation and implemented the practice of constructing and commissioning at least 100 new industrial and agricultural enterprises annually.
Last year, we created over 270,000 new jobs, and investments in fixed capital increased by 18.4%. I approved 113 new projects with a total investment of 2.6 billion dollars and the creation of over 12,000 jobs.
We also began a large-scale effort to simplify bureaucratic processes. The Minister of Justice was assigned the rank of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, and he continues to work on this task.
There is also a program called "Government Accelerators," borrowed from the UAE experience, which helps identify and solve problems in providing services to the population and businesses. We are reducing the time for issuing documents and licenses.
Thus, we eliminated duplication of functions, appointed responsible persons for enterprises, and reduced bureaucracy.
Additionally, we are creating favorable conditions for existing enterprises to expand, which also brings results.
- Are new enterprises opening across the country or concentrated in specific regions?
Enterprises are opening all over Kyrgyzstan. Our task is to reduce internal migration and create jobs not only in Bishkek but also in other regions.
- Kyrgyzstan is implementing several large investment projects. How do you manage to maintain investment attractiveness?
We have several large megaprojects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station, which will benefit not only Kyrgyzstan but also neighboring countries.
It is important to note that thanks to the efforts of the President of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, we resolved border issues that had long been a problem for our country. This was an important step towards attracting investments.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will significantly reduce cargo delivery times. The expected investment volume is 4.7 billion dollars, half of which is Chinese financing.
The second important project is the Kambarata HPP-1, which involves Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This hydropower station will help accumulate water and in the future will supply our neighboring countries.
- Will the Kambarata HPP eliminate the electricity deficit in the country?
Unfortunately, Kambarata HPP-1 will not fully solve the electricity deficit problem. Currently, we produce about 15.4 billion kWh, while the demand is over 19 billion kWh. We continue to import electricity.
We are also actively developing solar and wind power plants, having signed more than 10 agreements for solar power plants with a capacity of about 6000 MW.
- What are the current steps for the construction of a wind power station on Issyk-Kul with the Rosatom corporation?
Work began in 2024, and this year we are completing the first stage. A loan agreement has been signed, and installation work will begin at the end of the year.
- How do you assess the current state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)?
The CIS today demonstrates maturity and necessity as an effective mechanism for multilateral interaction, with new initiatives such as "CIS Plus".
- What do you think helps CIS countries stay together in these challenging times?
We have a common history, linguistic proximity, and traditions that bind us. Recent events in the world have shown that only in unity and joint work can we develop.
"Together is beneficial" — the slogan of our television company.
Yes, that is exactly right. This year we will host a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek.
- Are you planning to move administrative functions out of the city center?
Yes, we are starting the construction of a new building for ministries to relieve the city of officials.
- Will there be high-speed roads in Bishkek?
This is in the plans. We want to ensure unobstructed access to the airport.
- Will the new Bishkek open on August 31?
Yes, we will celebrate the opening of the SCO at the new stadium, which will be the largest in Central Asia.
We are also building new buildings for the tax office and the prosecutor's office to create modern infrastructure.
- How is the problem of the shortage of doctors in Kyrgyzstan being addressed?
The shortage of doctors is indeed a pressing issue right now. We plan to raise doctors' salaries by 100% starting April 1, thus attracting new specialists to the regions.
Additionally, we have a program called "Young Doctor's Deposit," which offers financial support to those who want to work in rural areas.
We are also creating conditions for affordable housing for medical professionals.
- What is the current mortgage interest rate?
For budget employees, it is 4%, for others — 8%. We plan to provide 20,000 apartments this year.
- How is housing construction and the necessary infrastructure progressing?
We are ensuring the construction of schools and hospitals in the regions. I am actively involved in healthcare issues and see that infrastructure needs improvement.
- What is the current shortage of medical personnel?
The percentage can vary from 20% to 40% depending on the region.
- What measures are being taken to support birth rates in the country?
We provide significant amounts for childbirth, which contributes to increasing the birth rate.
- What are your personal views on large families?
Families with four children are considered the norm, and I myself have raised four daughters.
- And what about grandchildren?
I have three grandchildren, but that’s a bit few.
- How do you see the future of food security in Kyrgyzstan?
Agriculture is developing, and we are already self-sufficient in basic products such as potatoes and vegetables, and we export the surplus.
The fishing industry is also growing, and we export fish, even though we have no sea.
Our honey is also in demand abroad, thanks to its ecological purity.
- You love mountains and fishing. What are your preferences?
The mountains occupy 94% of Kyrgyzstan's territory, and I love fishing in mountain rivers.
- How do you prefer to cook fish?
I like any fish, especially the Issyk-Kul whitefish.
- How is the construction of hotels and tourist infrastructure progressing?
Private investors are building hotels and ski bases, such as in the Ak-Suu district.
- Is there a plan for airport modernization?
Yes, we are modernizing airports in Tamchy and Karakol.
- What are the plans for uniting tourist clusters?
We are considering creating a mountain tourism cluster to increase the length of trails to 1000 kilometers.
Recently, the president summed up the year and discussed our country's achievements. I would be happy to give you a brochure about our successes.
- Thank you! We wish you success in further developing the country!
I want to congratulate the people of Kyrgyzstan on the holidays and wish everyone health and prosperity.
