Bishkek, May 29, 2026. /Kabar/. The current economic situation and development trends confirm the steady growth of entrepreneurial activity in the republic. Today, small and medium businesses are one of the key drivers of the country's economic development. Akim Nasirov, a representative of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, spoke about this during his presentation on "Managing the Business Environment: Support for SMEs (Lending, Women's Entrepreneurship, State and National Projects)" as part of the Open Cabinet project.
According to statistics, in 2020, the share of small and medium businesses in the country's gross domestic product was approximately 50%. Nearly half a million businesses operate in the republic, and trade, services, and exports are successfully developing.
Small and medium-sized businesses provide employment to hundreds of thousands of citizens, contribute to the development of the domestic market, and strengthen the country's export potential. In this context, the state's primary goal is to create the most favorable, transparent, and modern business environment possible.
Furthermore, key achievements include the reduction of administrative burdens on businesses and the improvement of the business regulation system. A significant milestone was the large-scale economic reforms implemented in 2024 in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 44 of April 16, 2024. This document became one of the key reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and simplifying the business environment.
In addition Akim Nasirov noted that one important decision was the introduction of a moratorium on inspections of business entities until 2026. This measure is aimed at protecting businesses from unjustified interference and creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurial development. For the business community, this has become an important signal of the government's transition to a more responsible and partner-based relationship with entrepreneurs.
One of the most popular mechanisms has become preferential lending to entrepreneurs. In early 2021, by order of the Cabinet of Ministers, a project for preferential lending to businesses was launched. The program is being implemented through state-owned banks at a 6% interest rate, with the provision of necessary subsidies.
"To date, more than 500 applications have been received for a total of 750 billion soms. Due to strong demand from entrepreneurs, the president approved additional funding for the "Rodina" program and increased bank portfolio limits.
The program aims to expand businesses' access to affordable finance, support the creation of new jobs, and stimulate investment activity.
"Over the past three years, the state has significantly expanded its support for large investment projects. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved approximately eight major initiatives within the framework of national investment projects of state significance. As of March 2022, 51 projects have been granted this status, of which 24 are projects of state significance and 27 are national investment projects," the economist added.