The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Finland, presented the interim results of the Aid for Trade initiative, which is contributing to stronger trade governance, institutional development, and enterprise-level competitiveness across Kyrgyzstan, UNDP Kyrgyzstan reported.
This flagship project is reinforcing Kyrgyzstan’s integration into regional and global markets through targeted support at the policy, institutional, and grassroots levels. The initiative directly contributes to the implementation of the Export Development Programme (2025–2028), the National Development Programme (until 2026), and the Presidential Decree on Agro-Industrial Development, demonstrating strong alignment with the country’s strategic economic priorities.
“Through this collaborative effort, we have transitioned from strategy to tangible results,” stated Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative. “The project has supported over 270 micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly in job-rich, green, and high export potential sectors, while strengthening the enabling environment for private-sector-led trade development. We are particularly proud that over 120 women-led SMEs have reported measurable gains in productivity, revenue, and export volumes—this is inclusive trade in action.”
At the macro level, the project supported the development of critical national policy frameworks, including the Export Development Programme (2025–2028), Tourism Sector Sustainable Development Strategy (2025–2030), the draft Green Economy Programme, and new regulations for trade subsidies and e-commerce. These efforts are positioning Kyrgyzstan for greener, smarter, and more inclusive economic growth.
At the institutional level, more than 15 national trade-related institutions, such as the Kyrgyz Export Promotion Center, Tourism Department, Customs Service, and other Trade Support Institutions benefited from targeted capacity support. Enhanced digital platforms for micro, small and medium enterprises, such as export.gov.kg, now provide market intelligence, trade fair registration services, while participation in 10 major international trade and tourism expos has resulted in over USD 9.76 million in export contracts, demonstrating the potential of local companies to compete globally.
“Trade remains a critical engine for sustainable economic development, particularly for landlocked economies like Kyrgyzstan,” emphasized Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce. “The Aid for Trade project has not only supported evidence-based policy reforms and export promotion services, but has also generated real benefits for our micro, small and medium enterprises. The interim results reflect our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.”
On the ground, the project supported MSMEs in export-oriented green value chains, including honey, dried fruits, nuts, handicrafts, and adventure tourism. These interventions led to a 23% average increase in exports, 184 new jobs, and 17% average sales growth among women entrepreneurs.
The Aid for Trade project in Kyrgyzstan, funded by the Government of Finland and implemented by UNDP, aims to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth by promoting “green” value chains and enhancing the competitiveness of the Kyrgyz economy.
