A small country with great potential for trade

With around seven million inhabitants, Kyrgyzstan is the smallest central Asian country. In light of its geostrategic location and favourable production costs, the country offers an interesting economic potential for German companies. It is particularly attractive in the fields of mining, the energy sector, agriculture, and the production of textiles, with the growing market for renewable energy, especially hydropower, providing interesting investment opportunities.

06.11.2024

The significant trade surplus on the German side is primarily due to exports of vehicles, machinery and chemical products to Kyrgyzstan. It is proving much more difficult for Kyrgyzstan to export domestic goods to Germany; exports are largely restricted to raw materials and food.

This year’s meeting of former programme participants in Bishkek reflected this trend and the related challenges. It became clear that creative and innovative Kyrgyz entrepreneurs are particularly important when it comes to making the country’s economy fit for the future.

06.11.2024

Alina Akunova ©GIZ/Askat Chynaly

Former programme participants from Kyrgyzstan exchanged views about the experience and insights they gained during their stay in Germany in Bishkek on 23 and 24 October 2024. Ms Alina Akunova, CEO and co-founder of Labservice LLC, expressed her satisfaction with the successful cooperation with the Berlin-based firm Melag Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG on the purchase of washing and disinfecting machines. Ms Akunova described the impact at several levels. She said: “For me personally, the programme offered a comprehensive vision, for my company it opened up new opportunities, and for my country it means protection from infections thanks to hygiene equipment with the quality seal ‘Made in Germany’ for medical facilities.”

For the first time, a representative of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Central Asia was present. Mr Vitaly Kim, CEO of DEinternational Kazakhstan, was impressed by the business orientation and openness of the Kyrgyz business community. He said: “Many talented entrepreneurs are actively searching for international partners worldwide. The programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Partnering in Business with Germany enables representatives of Kyrgyz companies every year to travel to Germany in order to establish or deepen cooperation relations with German firms.”

©GIZ/Askat Chynaly

The focus of the second day was on the exchange between women entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan who participated in the programme in the last few years. They talked about the expansion of business contacts and possibilities for cooperation among themselves. They were also particularly interested in networking with women associations and organisations from Germany and their neighbouring countries, including Kazakhstan.

In the context of the programme, 25 women entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan had engaged in a dialogue in May 2024 with representatives of German business under the motto “Dialogue between West and East”. The highlight was the reception by Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr Franziska Brantner. You can find more information at: https://partnering-in-business.de/en/news/strong-women-make-a-strong-economy/.