“The city is transforming: new roads, hotels, and buildings are emerging. Yes, the old is being demolished, but remember how Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul developed — this is exactly how it happens. Investments do not come to poor countries with bad infrastructure,” the professor stated.
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He also recalled how 20 years ago, American financier George Soros visited Kyrgyzstan and was forced to stay at the four-star hotel "Ak-Keme".
“President Akayev did not want to meet him, not understanding who George Soros was. But then someone hinted to him,” Kurmanov recounts. “Soros came to see Chinara Jakypova to learn about the work of the 'Soros Kyrgyzstan' Foundation. His team was shocked that the only four-star hotel in Bishkek was 'Ak-Keme'. They said: if this continues, he will go to Almaty, because George Soros does not stay in such hotels.”
According to Kurmanov, former President Askar Akayev eventually persuaded Soros to stay in Bishkek, which later became a catalyst for the construction of five-star hotels in the capital.
