Bishkek, Jan. 28, 2026. /Kabar/. Aidar Amrebayev, Director of the Center for Comparative Political Studies of Kazakhstan, shared his views on the changes that have taken place in Kyrgyzstan since President Sadyr Zhaparov came to power in an interview with the Kabar News Agency.
According to Aidar Amrebayev, Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated strong economic growth since the beginning of Sadyr Zhaparov’s presidency. Real GDP growth reached 11.1 percent, one of the highest rates in Central Asia. “Under Sadyr Zhaparov, the Kumtor mine was nationalized. Previously, revenues went into private hands, but now these funds are directed to the state budget. Wages are rising alongside economic growth. In particular, salaries of social workers, doctors, and teachers are increasing. The country is undergoing visible changes, especially in the tourism sector. Entrepreneurs also note a decline in corruption, which is helping to attract foreign investors. The fight against corruption was one of President Sadyr Japarov’s key priorities, and he has succeeded in this area,” the expert said.
He also emphasized that the President of Kyrgyzstan has gained a respected and authoritative position among the leaders of Central Asian countries. In particular, the country’s leadership managed to resolve sensitive border issues with neighboring states.
“The border issue was critical not only for Kyrgyzstan, but for the entire Central Asian region. After its resolution, stability was established, Kyrgyzstan’s international image significantly improved, and trust in Central Asia as a whole increased. The region has moved away from its former peripheral status. As a result, investment has begun to flow in, and interest from major global powers has grown. Kyrgyzstan’s contribution to this process is quite substantial. Previously, the region was marked by tension, and foreign investors feared instability. Today, however, friendly and good-neighborly relations are strengthening. Sadyr Japarov expressed the political will of the Kyrgyz people for positive change, their aspiration for peace and shared prosperity, and presented a new image of Kyrgyzstan to the world as a civilized, peace-loving, and open Central Asian state. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as fraternal countries, continue to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation,” he noted.
Furthermore, Aidar Amrebayev pointed out that, among other factors, Kazakhstan’s comprehensive support is helping Kyrgyzstan open new opportunities for expanding transport and logistics links between East and West, as well as North and South. In particular, the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is creating a significant multiplier effect in logistics and attracting the attention of major international markets.
“Business activity is increasing in our countries. For example, Sadyr Zhaparov is opening the door to foreign investment, including from Kazakhstan. He makes confident decisions on both bilateral and regional issues. His five-year presidency can be described as a period of positive change that reflects the will of the people and national interests,” the expert concluded.