Currently, Nazira represents the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan in Riyadh, working on creating connections between Kyrgyz businesses and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Photo from the interviewee's archive. Nazira Ibraim kyzy
— Nazira, tell us about your journey. How did you get into university at such a young age?
— I grew up in a family of migrants, and my parents were often absent, striving to provide me with better conditions. I feel immense gratitude to them for their support and belief in me. From an early age, I learned to read and started school at five. I studied on an accelerated program and after the ninth grade enrolled in a Law College, and then in a law institute. By 14, I was already studying at university, and by the end of 2013, after six years, I obtained a master's degree in addition to my bachelor's degree.
— How did your career in law begin? Did you work in Kyrgyzstan or did you go abroad right away?
— My career as a lawyer began while I was studying at the institute when I interned in courts, the prosecutor's office, the OSCE, and the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan.
In my final year, I won a case against the Ministry of Justice, and this marked the beginning of my professional growth.
Nazira Ibraim kyzy
After that, I was offered prestigious scholarships at universities in Italy, Norway, South Korea, and Armenia in international law. I chose the international path for my development.
— Why did you choose South Korea? What did this education give you?
— South Korea is an example of a country that transformed from a developing economy into a global leader in just one generation. It was important for me to study in an atmosphere of innovation and strategic thinking. Seoul National University became my third master's program, providing me with systematic thinking and a completely new perspective on state development.
At the university, I met many influential people, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who became a mentor to me. This inspired me to move forward on the path he himself took.
— Why did you decide to continue your career in Saudi Arabia?
— Saudi Arabia is currently one of the fastest-growing economies, and the Saudi Vision 2030 program is not just a slogan, but a real transformation project.
I started my career here as a legal consultant, working on international projects, and saw huge opportunities for investment and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia. This prompted me to become a representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic.
— What tasks do you face as a representative of the CCI of the KR in Saudi Arabia? What goals do you set?
— My main task is to establish connections between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia, support Kyrgyz businesses in entering the market, develop B2B cooperation, and promote the interests of our business community.
I want Kyrgyz businesses to be perceived here as reliable partners, not as a "small market somewhere in Central Asia."
— What inspires you to work in the field of international economic cooperation?
— I am inspired by the opportunity to connect countries, people, and ideas. I love seeing how real projects emerge from simple discussions.
— Which sectors of the Kyrgyz economy are most attractive to Saudi Arabia?
— Strategically, Saudi Arabia needs not only goods but also stable partners, certification, and transparent logistics. They import a large part of their food and are looking for reliable suppliers from "organic" regions.
In this context, we are talking about:
- agro-export and processing: honey, dried fruits, organic fruits and berries, purees, concentrates, freezing;
- halal meat products: Kyrgyzstan can compete due to quality pasture feeding;
- construction materials and industrial cooperation;
- tourism projects — Saudi investors are interested in "non-overheated" eco-projects;
- manufacturing and assembly lines;
- logistics and trade hubs, where Kyrgyzstan can act as a manufacturing base and export hub.
— What difficulties do Kyrgyz entrepreneurs face in the KSA market?
— The Saudi Arabian market requires time, and trust and long-term strategy are important here. The main difficulties for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs are insufficient understanding of the market, weak document preparation, and the expectation of quick results.
— What steps should Kyrgyz businesses take?
— It is important to adapt the product or service to the standards of Saudi Arabia, undergo certification, and be ready for negotiations.
— What support does the CCI provide?
— The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic helps businesses establish contacts with trade chambers and companies in Saudi Arabia, participate in business forums and exhibitions, and conducts market research and consultations, acting as a bridge between business communities.
— How important are cultural features in business?
— In Saudi Arabia, culture plays a key role in business strategy. Ignoring cultural aspects can lead to lost deals. Success depends not only on the quality of the product but also on the ability to build trusting relationships with partners.
— How was your adaptation in Saudi Arabia?
— This is my fifth country of residence, and although the adaptation was gradual, the culture, pace of life, and climate here are completely different. My international experience and nomadic spirit helped me cope with the challenges.
— What are the pros and cons of living in Saudi Arabia?
— The pros include great opportunities and rapid implementation of reforms. The cons are the loneliness of an immigrant.
— What do you miss while being away from Kyrgyzstan?
— I miss my parents, the Chatkal mountains, and the quiet of Darkhan.
— What are your hobbies besides work?
— I enjoy chess and learning new languages.
