— Daniyar Zholdoshievich, the situation on the international stage is becoming increasingly complex. Sanctions are expanding, and rules are changing rapidly. How does this reflect on the vulnerability of Kyrgyzstan's economy?
— Open economies like ours are sensitive to changes in the global regulatory environment. However, the question is not primarily about vulnerability, but about risk management.
We view the sanctions environment as a legal and financial reality that requires a professional approach. Our goal is not to succumb to emotions but to create a system of preventive adaptation: this includes transparent calculations, proper logistics, compliance with procedures, and continuous dialogue with regulators and partners.
For a small economy, discipline is crucial. Loud decisions are not needed here; precision and accuracy are required. The better we understand the rules, the lower the likelihood of a crisis.
— What is your understanding of the term "small economy"?
— This is not just a subjective judgment but an economic term. A small economy is defined as one that has a relatively narrow domestic market, a high degree of openness, and significant dependence on foreign trade. In such economies, external decisions, whether regulatory or sanction-related, are felt much more quickly and strongly than in large countries with diversified demand.
Nevertheless, a small economy has its advantages: it is more flexible and can adapt quickly. It can change its model without destroying large internal structures. Therefore, "small" does not always mean "weak," but rather more sensitive to external influences and requiring quality management.
For us, scale is not important; effectiveness is. The more compact the system, the more significant precise decisions become.
Photo from the archive. Daniyar Amangeldiev
— Let's return to sanctions. At the end of January, media outlets, including Bloomberg, reported possible new sanctions from the European Union against Kyrgyzstan. What is the level of this risk?
— We are closely monitoring discussions about new EU sanction packages. When a country is actively involved in foreign trade, risks are always relevant. This is part of our modern economy.
It is important to understand that sanctions are a regulatory tool, not an arbitrary process. They are based on procedures, assessments, and facts. Our task is to work within this logic.
We are creating a systematic model to minimize risks, including outreach to businesses, enhancing financial monitoring, engaging with European structures, and increasing the transparency of export operations.
Kyrgyzstan maintains a pragmatic position: we are interested in a predictable and transparent economic model.
All decisions should be based on objective data, not assumptions.
Daniyar Amangeldiev
It is extremely important for us to maintain a reputation as a reliable and understandable partner.
— How do you manage this? It is known that you actively participate in negotiations on sanctions issues. Do you have any secrets?
— There are no special secrets, but even if there were, sanction diplomacy does not imply publicity. It requires careful wording, precise calculations, and an understanding of the consequences of each step.
Such negotiations are a team effort. We operate within a strategy defined by the country's leadership. My task is to ensure a professional approach, including economic analysis, legal expertise, and technical correctness of decisions.
— Kyrgyzstan is increasingly referred to as a bridge between economic spaces. Is this the result of a deliberate strategy?
— I would say it is a manifestation of pragmatism. We are at the crossroads of key trade routes. Our goal is to use this position rationally: to develop logistics, ensure financial transparency, and reduce transaction costs.
The role of a bridge in our case is not a geopolitical ambition but an economic function that requires accuracy and strict adherence to international norms. A bridge can only be sustainable if it is safe to cross.
— You define yourself as a team player, a technocrat, a negotiator. How would you characterize yourself?
— I would prefer to say that I am a person of the system. I am close to the logic of precise decisions. Working in the government apparatus for me is about being responsible for the consequences, not for the headlines.
— How do you understand the responsibility of a public servant?
— Responsibility is the ability to think one step ahead, beyond immediate applause. Government work is rarely spectacular. More often, it is a choice between speed and correctness, and almost always the correct decision turns out to be less spectacular.
We live in a time when publicity has become more important than content.
Daniyar Amangeldiev
However, the economy is subject to simple laws — trust is built over years and destroyed in minutes.
Simply put, my task is to ensure that in five or ten years, our current decisions look not bold but reasonable.
— Finally, if we set aside the current issues of sanctions and risks, what is the main challenge facing Kyrgyzstan today?
— The main challenge, in my opinion, is to maintain internal calm in a world that constantly provokes sharp actions.
Small states often act in a reactive mode — they strive to respond faster and louder. But resilience is created not so much by the speed of reaction as by the quality of decisions.
The strength of a country lies not in being noticeable at any cost, but in predictability and the ability to keep one’s word.
Daniyar Amangeldiev
It is important for partners to understand: if Kyrgyzstan states something, it is not a temporary position but a well-thought-out strategy. The ability not to succumb to emotions, even when there is a lot of noise around, is the key to success.
