He noted that the new trademark "Made in Kyrgyzstan" (Ak Ilbirs) will be a modern replacement for the Soviet "quality mark." One of the main tasks of this project is to combat "pseudo-export," where imported goods, particularly from China, are sold as Kyrgyz products.
“This practice will no longer be relevant. To use the mark featuring the snow leopard, an entrepreneur must confirm the high quality of their products at all stages—from raw material procurement to final assembly. Mandatory laboratory testing for environmental cleanliness and compliance with standards will be required,” emphasized Shamsiyev.
He clarified that the transfer of management of the national brand to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is part of the state strategy to reduce bureaucracy.
Among the new functions already planned are:
- Certification of realtors;
- Creation of a registry of conscientious entrepreneurs;
- Training and certification of appraisers.
According to Shamsiyev, products with the "Ak Ilbirs" brand may be somewhat more expensive due to strict production requirements; however, this will ensure trust from consumers.
“When a buyer sees the snow leopard mark, whether in the domestic market or abroad, they will associate it with environmentally friendly products from high-altitude Kyrgyzstan. This is a matter of reputation and prestige for the entire nation,” he added.
In the first phase, branding will be applied in priority sectors such as the food industry and textile production. At the same time, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry reserves the right to revoke the mark from those producers who cannot maintain the declared level of quality.
