News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
Economy

The European Union has introduced the 20th package of sanctions against Russia

The European Union has decided to introduce the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. This decision was approved by the heads of the foreign ministries of the EU member states, who agreed on new measures against 17 individuals and legal entities. As part of this package of restrictive measures, actions are planned against the so-called "shadow fleet," and for the first time, a U.S. citizen has been included in the sanctions list.

16.12.2025, 11:45
Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan on December 16
Economy

Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan on December 16

Information about the exchange rates was collected from the websites of commercial banks. If you have any questions regarding the provided data, it is recommended to contact the banks directly. The data is current as of the time of publication. The indicated rates apply to cash currency exchange and may change throughout the day.

16.12.2025, 10:19
Economy

Central Asia Shows Rapid Growth in Intra-Regional Investments - EDB

According to the Eurasian Development Bank, in 2023, intra-regional investments in Central Asia significantly increased, reaching $1.3 billion, which is 42% more compared to the previous year. The main areas of activity are construction, manufacturing, and the financial sector, which accounted for 80% of the total investment volume. The most significant contributions come from Kazakhstan with $9.4 billion and Uzbekistan with $10.7 billion in incoming investments.

16.12.2025, 09:57
"Weekend Fair" in Bishkek Shares Kindness with Social Institutions
Economy

"Weekend Fair" in Bishkek Shares Kindness with Social Institutions

At the fair, a new tradition was introduced: "boxes of kindness" were placed between the rows of trading tents, where sellers and buyers can put food, vegetables, and fruits. The next day, activists prepare pilaf and form a "kindness squad" to deliver it to the city's social institutions. The first to receive assistance were Professional Lyceum No. 3 and the municipal social stationary institution "Umut" for elderly people with disabilities.

16.12.2025, 09:53
Economy

At slaughterhouses and livestock markets, the video surveillance system is being expanded

The Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service has begun the phased implementation of a video surveillance system at slaughterhouses and livestock markets to enhance veterinary and phytosanitary safety. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing Industry. Currently, surveillance cameras have been installed at 54 slaughterhouses and 5 markets, as well as in one veterinary and sanitary expert laboratory (VSEL) in the Moscow

16.12.2025, 09:11
Economy

Why Sewing Shop Owners Are Selling Off Their Products and Equipment (Report from the Fair)

In the very center of the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a fair of sewing products has opened, where goods intended for export to Russia are sold to local buyers at prices significantly lower than wholesale. This situation arose due to difficulties with documents and logistics, which left manufacturers in a difficult position. For city residents, this is a great opportunity to purchase quality clothing without overpaying. The team of Kaktus.media visited the event to find out how local manufacturers

15.12.2025, 18:48
Economy / Exclusive

How much does yak meat cost in At-Bashy?

In the At-Bashinsky district of the Naryn region, a fair was held at the central market "Berekе," aimed at ensuring food security and supporting the local population by offering goods at fixed prices. The event was organized by the district veterinary management and the Ak-Moyun rural administration.

15.12.2025, 17:46
Today, society and the state are ripe for attracting large investments - Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic
Economy / Exclusive

Today, society and the state are ripe for attracting large investments - Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic

At the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business," the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, Temir Sariev, noted that government structures should not control business but rather engage in partnership relations with it. According to him, this approach will create optimal conditions for attracting investments and developing entrepreneurship. Sariev highlighted several key factors necessary for business confidence and attracting investors.

15.12.2025, 17:24
In Kyrgyzstan, over 90 projects based on PPP have been implemented, amounting to more than 434 billion soms.
Economy / Exclusive

In Kyrgyzstan, over 90 projects based on PPP have been implemented, amounting to more than 434 billion soms.

Kyrgyzstan has improved its position, rising from 68th to 22nd place in the ranking due to the implementation of projects under public-private partnerships (PPP). This was reported by Ravshan Sabirov, director of the National Investment Agency, at the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business." The project portfolio includes more than 90 initiatives totaling over 434 billion soms. According to Sabirov, 13 agreements were signed over the 11 months of 2025, which allowed for the

15.12.2025, 16:47
Business associations propose to strengthen dialogue with the government for joint economic development
Economy / Exclusive

Business associations propose to strengthen dialogue with the government for joint economic development

During the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business," Rustam Baltabaev, Executive Director of the Agricultural Development Association, stated that the investment climate is not just words, but the real cost and speed of project implementation. He also noted that important aspects of the investment climate include access to financing, infrastructure development, and stable rules for protecting property rights.

15.12.2025, 16:31
The forum in Bishkek brought together investors and the government
Economy

The forum in Bishkek brought together investors and the government

The forum held on December 15 in Bishkek, titled "Investment Vector: State and Business," brought together representatives from the business community, the banking sector, the government, and international partners. In his speech, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the President's Administration, Adylbek Kasymaliev, emphasized that investments play a crucial role in ensuring stable economic development. He highlighted that the reforms implemented in the country

15.12.2025, 15:54
Sabirov: The year 2025 has become an important milestone in the establishment of a new investment architecture in Kyrgyzstan
Economy / Exclusive

Sabirov: The year 2025 has become an important milestone in the establishment of a new investment architecture in Kyrgyzstan

At the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business," Ravshan Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency, emphasized that President Sadyr Japarov and Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev highlight attracting investments as a strategically important direction for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and economic modernization. Sabirov pointed out the historical and geographical significance of Kyrgyzstan as part of the Great Silk Road, connecting the East and the West.

15.12.2025, 15:49
In Kyrgyzstan, the competition "Best Exporter of the Kyrgyz Republic" for the year 2025 has been announced.
Economy / Exclusive

In Kyrgyzstan, the competition "Best Exporter of the Kyrgyz Republic" for the year 2025 has been announced.

The Center for Development and Promotion of Exports "Kyrgyz Export," operating under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, has announced the start of the National Competition titled "Best Exporter of the Kyrgyz Republic" for the year 2025. Both legal entities and individuals registered in the territory of Kyrgyzstan with at least one year of export experience are invited to participate in the competition.

15.12.2025, 15:43
Economy

Who Built the Most Famous Roads in Kyrgyzstan and How Much Did It Cost

Despite the lack of access to the sea, Kyrgyzstan is actively developing its road network, which is a key aspect for improving transportation infrastructure. Throughout the years of independence, significant funds from the national budget have been invested in road construction. Kaktus.media conducted an analysis to determine the cost of reconstructing and building one kilometer of the main roads in Kyrgyzstan, as well as to identify who financed and implemented these projects.

15.12.2025, 15:36
Economy

Conditions for Venture Funds to Operate Will Be Created in Kyrgyzstan

At the upcoming meeting, the draft law "On Venture Financing" will be presented, as reported by Ravshan Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency, during the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business." According to Sabirov, the main goal of this law is to create favorable conditions for venture funds and corporate investors, as well as to promote the development of innovative projects and technological startups.

15.12.2025, 15:16
Kyrgyzstan's Trade Decreased to $12.8 Billion: Exports Down Nearly 40 Percent
Economy

Kyrgyzstan's Trade Decreased to $12.8 Billion: Exports Down Nearly 40 Percent

According to data from the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the volume of foreign trade from January to October 2025 amounted to $12 billion 803.5 million. This is 9.6% less than in the same period of 2024. It should be noted that in the first nine months of the current year, the decline was 8.3%. The reason for the reduction in foreign trade was the decrease in both export supplies, which fell by 38.2% to $2 billion 409.3 million, and imports, which decreased by 0.3% to $10

15.12.2025, 15:14
Economy

In the KR, over 9 thousand units of equipment have been leased for 21 billion soms

According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, agricultural producers have the opportunity to lease various types of machinery and equipment for processing on favorable terms. The lease term is seven years, and the annual interest rate is 6%. Currently, within the framework of state leasing projects, farmers have received 9,016 units of equipment with a total value of 21.8 billion soms. Of these, 2,029 units worth

15.12.2025, 14:52
In 2026, the automated information system "Investments" will be launched.
Economy

In 2026, the automated information system "Investments" will be launched.

In 2026, the implementation of the automated information system "Investments" (AIS) is planned, which will ensure electronic submission of applications, centralized data storage, and the creation of a unified digital registry of investment projects. This was announced by Ravshan Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan, at the forum "Investment Vector: State and Business".

15.12.2025, 14:40
Kyrgyzstan intends to develop electricity storage systems with the participation of international companies
Economy

Kyrgyzstan intends to develop electricity storage systems with the participation of international companies

The pilot project has already been completed According to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers, on December 13, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Bishkek between the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and three international companies engaged in the supply, installation, and assembly of energy storage systems. The event was attended by Daniyar Amangeldiev, the First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

15.12.2025, 13:49
Target Audience on the Brink of an Agri-Tech Boom: How Villages are Becoming Centers of Innovation
Economy

Target Audience on the Brink of an Agri-Tech Boom: How Villages are Becoming Centers of Innovation

In Central Asia, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, young farmers, previously seen merely as continuers of traditional agricultural practices, are now becoming pioneers in digital technologies and automation. Although their activities do not initiate large-scale political debates, they significantly accelerate changes in the agricultural sector, outpacing government program actions.

15.12.2025, 13:09
Economy

In the sewing industry of Kyrgyzstan, only about 9,000 people are officially employed.

Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of people are employed in the sewing industry of Kyrgyzstan, official data indicates that only about 9,000 of them are registered and pay taxes and insurance contributions. This information was announced by Kubanychbek Isabekov, Deputy Chairman of the Tax Service, during his speech on "Birinchi Radio". Isabekov noted that it is time to reduce the shadow economy in this sector and move towards more transparent business practices.

15.12.2025, 12:42
Airplanes Put Up for Sale at "Airports of Kyrgyzstan"
Economy

Airplanes Put Up for Sale at "Airports of Kyrgyzstan"

Those wishing to purchase can register to participate in the auction Five decommissioned airplanes have been put up for auction, located at the international airport "Manas". Among the lots are three Yak-40s, one Il-18, and one Boeing 737-200.

15.12.2025, 11:55
Economy

Turkmenistan Can Provide Kyrgyz Tailors with Textile Raw Materials

Active discussions are underway between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan regarding the possibilities of expanding partnership in the light industry and agricultural sector. This was reported by Danil Ibraev, president of the Kyrgyz Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, in an interview on "Birinchi Radio". Ibraev emphasized that the idea of supplying textile raw materials from Turkmenistan is currently being considered, which will allow Kyrgyz enterprises to start sewing and selling

15.12.2025, 11:30
GDP of Kyrgyzstan increased by 10.2% in the 11 months of 2025
Economy / Exclusive

GDP of Kyrgyzstan increased by 10.2% in the 11 months of 2025

From January to November 2025, the gross domestic product of the Kyrgyz Republic, according to preliminary data, reached 1 trillion 628.6 billion soms. This is 10.2% more than in the same period of 2024. As reported by the national statistical committee, such economic growth has been made possible by positive trends in key sectors such as industry, services, construction, and trade.

15.12.2025, 11:12
National Statistics Committee: Industrial Production in Kyrgyzstan Shows Steady Growth
Economy / Exclusive

National Statistics Committee: Industrial Production in Kyrgyzstan Shows Steady Growth

According to the National Statistical Committee, there is a stable growth in industrial production in Kyrgyzstan. As of January-November 2025, this growth compared to the same period in 2024 was driven by an increase in production volumes in several key sectors. According to the agency's data, the highest growth rates were observed in pharmaceutical production, where volumes increased by 1.9 times. A significant increase is also noted in the production of rubber and plastic products, as

15.12.2025, 11:07
Economy

Countries within the EAEU intend to protect the single market from unsafe products

The countries that are part of the Eurasian Economic Union plan to take measures to protect their single market from unsafe products. This information was announced by representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission. According to the provided data, the accreditation bodies of the "five" countries are working together to prevent the unjustified issuance of certificates of conformity for products.

15.12.2025, 10:58
Economy

How much electricity does Kyrgyzstan import from Turkmenistan, Ibraev said

As a result of the first official visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to Turkmenistan, important agreements were reached concerning various aspects, including gas supplies and electricity imports. This was stated in an interview on "Birinchi Radio" by Danil Ibraev, who is a member of the Presidium of the Business Council of the Eurasian Economic Union and the president of the Kyrgyz Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. According to Ibraev, the countries are actively developing

15.12.2025, 10:56
Since the beginning of the year, prices have risen in Kyrgyzstan
Economy / Exclusive

Since the beginning of the year, prices have risen in Kyrgyzstan

Since the beginning of this year, prices and tariffs in Kyrgyzstan have increased by 8.3%. This information was provided by the national statistical committee. According to statistical data, the most significant price increase has affected food products and non-alcoholic beverages, where prices rose by 8.9%. Alcohol and tobacco products became 7.9% more expensive, while non-food goods increased in price by 7.0%. Services for the population also became more expensive, with a growth of 9.1%.

15.12.2025, 10:52
No need to worry. The Ministry of Construction has issued a permit for the construction of 35-story buildings.
Economy

No need to worry. The Ministry of Construction has issued a permit for the construction of 35-story buildings.

Currently, the tallest building in Kyrgyzstan is a 27-story structure that is in the final stages of construction. As reported by the Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services, Nurdin Oruntaev, on the air of "Birinchi Radio," the ministry has now issued permits for the construction of buildings up to 35 stories high. Photo from the archive. Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services Nurdin Oruntaev According to the

15.12.2025, 10:50
Taxi as Digital Infrastructure
Economy

Taxi as Digital Infrastructure

In recent years, significant changes have occurred in the taxi market in Kyrgyzstan. The traditional model, based on verbal agreements and private arrangements between drivers and passengers, is gradually giving way to a platform approach. In this new system, algorithms, automated data checks, and built-in regulatory mechanisms play a key role. Tylek Su laymanov, head of Yandex Kyrgyzstan, spoke about modern technologies in this field at a meeting with journalists. Safety through Driver

15.12.2025, 10:46
The ruble continues to collapse, the tenge is also depreciating. Currency exchange rates as of December 15.
Economy

The ruble continues to collapse, the tenge is also depreciating. Currency exchange rates as of December 15.

Photo from the internet. Against the backdrop of the ruble's decline, the Chinese yuan is reaching record highs in value According to the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan and exchange points in Bishkek, there is an increase in the rates of the euro and the Chinese yuan, while the Russian ruble and the Kazakh tenge are losing value. The dollar rate remains stable. US Dollar:

15.12.2025, 10:33
The volume of Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade decreased by 10.6%
Economy / Exclusive

The volume of Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade decreased by 10.6%

From January to October 2025, the volume of external and mutual trade in goods of Kyrgyzstan amounted to 12 billion 803.5 million US dollars, which is 10.6% lower than in the same time period of 2024. According to data provided by the national statistical committee, the main factor for the decline was export deliveries, which fell by 38.2%. Imports, on the other hand, decreased by only 0.3% during the specified period.

15.12.2025, 10:29