Kyrgyzstan Introduction
Kyrgyzstan Introduction
Kyrgyzstan Introduction
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked and mountainous country located in Central Asia and bordered by
China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The government system is a republic; the chief
of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Kyrgyzstan has an
emerging mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with
centralized economic planning and government regulation.
Exports - commodities: cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas,
hydropower; machinery; shoes
The industrialization of Kyrgyzstan began in the 1930’s with the production of heavy
agricultural machinery, electric motors, light manufacturing, and mining. Before that textiles and
leather goods constituted Kyrgyzstan's main industry. During World War Two, Kyrgyzstan
benefited from the Soviets’ movement of their heavy industry from the European theater to the
East. Some of this industry was placed in Kyrgyzstan and later formed the basis of the
industrialization of the republic. Soon after, Bishkek, Aksu, and Tokmak received more military-
related industrial plants and factories from the European part of the Union. Before long, the
republic became a major contributor to engineering, instrument-making, non-ferrous metal
manufacturing, and coal-mining. With the increase in expertise, the volume of Kyrgyz industry
increased, boosting industrial production manifold.
In the 1980’s, the Soviet Union was heavily involved in Afghanistan. Much of the funds that,
thus far, had been allotted to the agriculture and industry of the republics was funneled to the war
front. Consequently, the republics were no longer receiving the subsidies that helped them
manage their industries. Without the vital subsidies from Moscow, Kyrgyz industry began to
decline.
One of the major contributors to Kyrgyz economy is hydroelectric power generated by the
Togtogul, Uchqurqan, and Qumqasoi hydroelectric stations on the Naryn River. They produce
not only most of the energy needs of the republic, but also much surplus energy for export to
neighboring countries.
The economy is heavily weighted toward gold export and a drop in output at the main Kumtor
gold mine sparked a 0.5% decline in GDP in 2002 and a 0.6% decline in 2005. GDP grew more
than 6% in 2007, partly due to higher gold prices internationally.
The industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, which produces over 20% of GDP, consists of processing
industry, non-ferrous metallurgy and mineral resources industry.
The “Kumtor” gold-mining project (a joint venture with “Kameko” Canada) is one of the most
significant commercial ventures in the Kyrgyz Republic. This enterprise generates nearly 35% of
the country’s total exports and is responsible for generating approximately one-tenth of the
domestic production. Kyrgyz Republic is the third among other CIS countries for gold-mining
output.
Strong hydro-energy complex is possibly the nation’s greatest heritage from the Soviet Union.
The country’s hydro-energy infrastructure is the second largest source of Kyrgyz exports. To
underscore the importance of this industry, it should be noted that the cumulative hydro-
energetic reserves of the Kyrgyz rivers exceed those of the famous Russian Volga river by
several hundred percent. Kyrgyzstan exports electricity to Russia (over 1.5 billion kW annually)
as well as to neighboring Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. Hydro-energy complex
secures the excellent perspectives to replace the import of energy resources as the 75-100
The country has developed a sufficient environment for successful development. Kyrgyzstan has
established a multi-structural economy and possess rich natural and highly competent human
resources. The country’s strategic development plan is proved by the consistently increasing
inflow of direct foreign investments, dynamically developing banking sector and the population
confidence in financial institutions.
The country has experienced instability since independence in 1991. Corruption and nepotism
were major stress factors underlying political and social upheavals in 2005 and 2010. To prevent
the concentration of power, a parliamentary constitution with elaborate checks and balances was
adopted in late 2010, making the Kyrgyz Republic the only Central Asian country in which the
president is limited to a single term.
The president first elected under this constitution served a full six-year term. Following peaceful
elections, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov took office in November 2017. The coalition
government is accountable to the parliament.
The economy is vulnerable to external shocks owing to its reliance on one gold mine, Kumtor,
which accounts for about 10 percent of GDP, and on worker remittances, equivalent to about 27
percent of GDP in 2018.
To realize the country’s potential, economic activities need to be diversified through increased
private sector development and improved occupational skills and productivity in the young labor
force.