I was appointed to my current position in December 2024. Prior to that, I served as the First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. I have many years of experience working in tax authorities, where I reached the position of head. I also worked as Deputy Minister of Economy and was Minister of Finance for about four years.
My experience in the economic and financial sectors was a key factor when the president offered me this role. The main task became focusing on the economic aspects of the Cabinet of Ministers' work and maintaining the GDP growth rates achieved earlier. Therefore, I did not face any particular difficulties in my work — it was easy for me as I focused on the economy.
- How do you see Kyrgyzstan in ten years? Are there already any plans?
We already have a development strategy until 2030, which sets a target for GDP of at least 30 billion.
- What is the current GDP level?
At the end of last year, it was approximately 22.6 billion.
- So, you plan to increase it to 30 billion by 2030?
No, we plan to achieve more.
- Which sectors will contribute to this growth?
The main drivers of growth will be industry, construction, and agriculture, which will provide a 2-4% increase. We also plan to launch at least 100 new industrial enterprises. The order for their production will be approved by me. We are adopting the experience of Uzbekistan, where each project is overseen by ministers.
- Is this personal responsibility? Will ministers be curators of the projects?
Yes, that’s right. I personally go to the regions and check whether the curators know who is responsible for these projects. If a minister is not aware, he will have to answer for it. This really brings results. Uzbekistan also attaches prosecutors to projects, but I believe it is better when we have responsible ministers.
- Can we say that Kyrgyzstan is becoming an Asian tiger?
We can talk about the "Leap of the Snow Leopard" in our economy.
- Is your program economically focused?
Yes, indeed.
- You remember when we studied in the USSR, we were told about the Asian tigers like Thailand and Vietnam. How close is Kyrgyzstan to this now?
I think we are already very close to that.
- You mentioned GDP. In 2025, it grew by 11%, and in the first two months of this year, there was a growth of 9% compared to last year. How did you achieve such results?
We significantly improved investment legislation and adopted a new version of the investment law. We also implemented a practice of constructing at least 100 new industrial and agricultural enterprises annually, which has borne fruit.
Last year, we created more than 270,000 new jobs, and investments in fixed assets increased by 18.4%. This year, I approved 113 enterprises with a total investment of 2.6 billion dollars and the creation of more than 12,000 new jobs.
We started actively working on debureaucratization of processes. For this, the Minister of Justice was assigned the rank of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers; he is also my deputy and is engaged in this work.
Additionally, we launched the "Government Accelerators" program based on the experience of the UAE. We identify problems in the service sector and give government agencies 100 days to solve them. Last year, we developed 12 such programs that significantly reduced the time for issuing documents and permits, especially in construction.
Thus, we eliminated duplication of functions and appointed responsible persons for enterprises, which yielded tangible results?
Yes, and for existing enterprises, we are creating favorable conditions for expansion. This, in turn, leads to positive results, which is clearly visible.
- Are new enterprises opening across the country or are there specific regions?
Production is opening up across the country. Our task is to reduce internal migration and create jobs not only in large cities like Bishkek and the Chui Valley but also in other regions.
- Kyrgyzstan is implementing many large investment projects. How do you manage to maintain investment attractiveness, especially considering projects like the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway?
We have several mega-projects, including those already mentioned. Both projects are of significant importance not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for neighboring countries.
I want to note that last year, with the support of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, we completely resolved the border issue, which had previously been a serious problem for our country. We signed an agreement and even established a stele at the junction of the three states — a symbol of friendship. This was recognized by international organizations as a positive achievement. Investments go where there is peace and stability.
As for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, in essence, it is our way to Europe. The construction of this road will significantly reduce the delivery time of goods, which is important in the modern world. The volume of investments is 4.7 billion dollars: 50% of the funding comes from China, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan share the remaining 50% equally. The construction includes about 50 bridges and 29 tunnels, and we are actively working on our territory. We plan to complete the project by the end of 2030.
Moreover, the construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station-1 involves the participation of three countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This project will not only help solve electricity problems but also ensure water accumulation at the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station during the growing season.
- When will the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station be launched? Will it be able to solve electricity shortages?
Unfortunately, the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Station-1 alone is not enough. Currently, we produce about 15.4 billion kWh, while we need more than 19 billion. We import 3.8-3.9 billion kWh, and therefore we are actively developing the construction of hydropower plants, as we are using only 10% of our potential resource.
We are also paying attention to the construction of solar and wind power plants, having signed more than 10 agreements on solar energy with a capacity of about 6000 MW.
- What is the stage of the project with the Russian corporation "Rosatom" for the construction of a wind farm on Issyk-Kul?
Work on this project began in 2024, and this year the first phase of construction will start. We have already signed a loan agreement with "Rosatom." Installation work will begin in late October-November, and the first part will be put into operation in December. The entire project is planned to be completed by 2027.
- We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the CIS. How do you assess the current state of the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth has come a long way over these 35 years and has proven its necessity as a mechanism for multilateral interaction. We see new initiatives such as "CIS Plus," and it can be said that the CIS has reached maturity and sustainable development.
- In the current turbulence, what helps our countries stay together?
A common history, linguistic closeness, and traditions. We existed in one state for a long time, and recent global events show that only together can we develop. Close trade and economic ties will help us move forward.
"Together is profitable" – the slogan of our television company.
That's right. On August 31, Independence Day, we will hold a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Congress Hall. A residence will be prepared for the presidents.
- Will you participate in the summit, being so close to the venue?
Yes, we started building the Ministry House to accommodate all civil ministries.
- Does this mean you want to free the city center from officials?
Yes, exactly.
- Will there be high-speed roads within the city?
Perhaps, we are planning a high-speed road from the airport to ensure unobstructed access.
- So, on August 31, Bishkek will welcome guests with new changes?
The opening of the SCO will take place at the new stadium with a capacity of 51,000, which will be the largest in Central Asia. We will also hold the World Nomad Games.
A new building for the tax service and the General Prosecutor's Office is being constructed. I joke that tax inspectors are now under supervision.
- So, you are moving all administrative functions out of the center of Bishkek?
Yes, that’s right.
- 2026 has been declared the year of health protection in the CIS. How is the personnel issue in medicine being resolved?
A few years ago, there was a shortage of teachers, but now the problem with doctors is particularly acute. We plan to increase salaries in the social sphere by 100% starting April 1, which applies to both doctors and teachers.
Young doctors will be able to expect a salary increased by 1.6-1.7 times. We are also creating a fund to direct natives of the regions for training.
We have a program called "Young Doctor's Deposit." We removed the word "young" and are simply creating a deposit for anyone wishing to work in villages.
- So, anyone who wants to move to a village will be provided with relocation assistance?
Yes, and we plan to allocate apartments through the state mortgage company.
- What is the current mortgage rate?
For non-budget employees – 8%, for budget employees – 4%. The president plans to hand over keys to 20,000 apartments.
- Is this for civil servants?
Yes, and for everyone else too. We started building about 80-90 thousand apartments.
- This requires the creation of infrastructure: hospitals, schools, kindergartens…
Creating schools, kindergartens, and hospitals is a mandatory part of our plan. I am involved in healthcare and see that the situation requires improvements, but we are working on it.
- What is the current shortage of medical personnel?
I can't give exact percentages, but there is a shortage everywhere.
- Mainly, are these narrow specialists?
Yes, in some cases the shortage can reach 40%.
- How are things with maternity hospitals?
We plan to build new maternity hospitals, including in Karakol.
- How is the birth rate?
The birth rate is fine; we pay significant amounts for each child starting from the fifth.
- Is four children in a family the norm?
Probably, yes. I have four children, and I do not hide it, but that’s another story.
- And what about grandchildren?
So far, I have three grandchildren, not too many.
- Young people are not so eager for a large number of children now...
Starting July 1, the president introduced a new payment "Bala Irysy," which is 1200 soms until the child is three years old, as well as one-time payments at birth.
- What is the role of the agricultural sector of Kyrgyzstan in the food security of the CIS?
Agriculture is developing here, showing growth of 3-4% in recent years. We provide ourselves with nine main products for food security.
Our exports are well represented by vegetables, fruits, as well as fish, which is grown in aquaculture.
We export environmentally friendly honey, which is valued in Arab countries.
- So, you don’t need to add an "Eco" label if it’s a product from Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, that’s right. We contribute to the food security of CIS countries.
- You also love the mountains. We saw your walks in Ala-Archa National Park. What could be better than the mountains?
Indeed, mountains occupy 94% of Kyrgyzstan's territory, and I have become a mountain lover. I also enjoy fishing in mountain rivers.
- What fish do you prefer?
I love any fish: fried, dried, smoked. The Issyk-Kul whitefish is the most expensive fish in the country, and I have been passionate about fishing since childhood.
- How is the construction of hotels going?
Private investors are building hotels, including a modern ski base on Issyk-Kul.
- Is this similar to the Asian Courchevel? Have you skied yourself?
I have skied, and another ski base is being built in the Tyup region.
- Is there a plan to build an airport in this region?
Yes, we are modernizing airports in Tamchy and Karakol.
- There are no flights from Karakol to Moscow?
There are flights from Tamchy, and work in Karakol is not yet finished.
I have also visited Karkyra, where there are also beautiful places. We plan to create a mountain cluster with a trail length of over 1000 kilometers.
Recently, our president summarized the year, gathering all akims and heads of state bodies, and we discussed Kyrgyzstan's achievements over the past five years. I prepared a small book about these achievements.
- Thank you! We wish you further development. In conclusion, I congratulate you on the upcoming holidays!
Thank you! I also want to congratulate the people of Kyrgyzstan on the holidays and wish them health, well-being, and success.
