The project will be implemented by UNDP in Kyrgyzstan and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The total budget of the project for 10 years is 9,8 million Swiss francs.

According to Alexander Avanesov, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, the project is long-term, was developed in close cooperation with all the stakeholders, and meets the needs of national partners. “To date, Kyrgyzstan is the only parliamentary democracy in the region and this strive of the country shall be supported. This is the main essence of the project being launched today”, - said A. Avanesov during the official project presentation on April 28, 2017 with participation of project partners.

It was also reported that project activities are designed and will be carried out in line with the 2021 Development Strategy of Jogorku Kenesh. According to this strategy, the parliament takes a lead in shaping the future strategic vision of the country on behalf of citizens, identifies its directions and generates new ideas and development concepts.

On May 1, the project has started implementation of its first 4 year phase with a total budget of 3,8 million Swiss francs. “In the first phase, we will closely collaborate and provide expert support to the activities of three parliamentary committees, namely the committee on constitutional legislation, state structure and judicial legal affairs, the committee on social affairs, education, science, culture and healthcare as well as the committee on finance and budget,”- stated Lucio V. Sarandrea, UNDP Chief Technical Adviser on Rule of Law.

In addition, the project will closely work on enhancing capacity of Public Councils and will run a special Civic Action Fund to support various civil society initiatives that promote inclusiveness of the parliament.

During the meeting, the head of the apparatus of the Parliament Samat Ibraev has expressed his gratitude for launching this timely project and readiness to work together.

The project implemented by IFC in close collaboration with State agencies and the Ministry of Economy has helped the Kyrgyz government to introduce risk-based inspection system that has reduced the inspections burden: compliance costs for the private sector have been reduced by an estimated $5 million over the past few years. IFC support to investment policy reforms has generated an estimated $14 million additional investment to the economy. The tax system reforms, which was another component of the project has enabled businesses to save $ 2.2 million in 2016 only.

The Program has also ensures the development of relevant legislation as regards food safety, and initiated a number of important reforms to help local food producers to access new markets.  

“The government of the Kyrgyz Republic has been working on improving the business climate and we have positive results. With inspection numbers significantly reduced, the risk level assessments and planning of inspections are now fully automated,” said Daniyar Imanaliev, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic. “However, making the country a better place for businesses is a long-term, continuous process. We thank IFC for its long-standing support and hope to work together on the next reforms.”

“Switzerland, through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has been supporting since 2008 initiatives that aim to create a favourable business environment. This was done by supporting reforms in the field of tax administration and business regulation. A necessary condition for successful reform process is the involvement of the private sector in the project design and monitoring,” said Véronique Hulmann, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic.

“An attractive investment climate is a prerequisite for an economy that wants to grow and create jobs”, said Martin Naegele, IFC Country Officer. “IFC, together with the World Bank, has been helping the Kyrgyz government resolve legal and policy weaknesses, to improve the operating environment for business and unlock the country’s potential to attract new investment.”

The Swiss Government and WBG/IFC will continue supporting the Kyrgyz Republic to create more favorable business environment, attract and retain foreign direct investment, and unlock new markets for the local businesses. 

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It comprises five closely associated institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Each institution plays a distinct role in the mission to fight poverty and improve living standards for people in the developing world. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and www.ifc.org. 

About Swiss assistance

The Government of Switzerland provides assistance for the development of the Kyrgyz Republic. The overall objective of its cooperation program is to promote peace and social cohesion as well as responsive and inclusive institutions and a sustainable development to improve the well-being of the population. Over the last 25 years Switzerland has granted more than CHF 360 million to Kyrgyzstan to support the transition process. For more information, please visit https://www.eda.admin.ch/bishkek. 

To learn more about the UK’s Department for International Development, please visit:  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-development.