Kyrgyzstan business trip 2023

Kyrgyzstan – Finland Business Forum 2023

After a very successful business forum organized in 2022, we are now organizing the second business forum between Finnish and Kyrgyz companies. The forum will be organized in collaboration with the Finnish Embassy for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Ministry for Economy of Kyrgyzstan, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan and Prime Minister’s Office of Kyrgyzstan, UNDP, EastCham Chamber of Commerce (communication), Helsinki Business Hub, Kyrgyz honorary consul in Finland; Petri Numminen and the Federation of Finnish Enterprises. The business forum will be organized from August 27 to September 2, 2023. The forum will be led by the ambassador Soili Mäkeläinen-Buhanist from the Astana embassy.

During the trip, it will be possible to acquire knowledge of Kyrgyzstan’s business opportunities, partners, authorities, current and future national and international projects, and project financiers. In addition, information about the opportunities for Kyrgyz companies to locate in Helsinki region will be shared.

The business meetings of the participating companies will be tailored according to the industries and wishes of the companies.

Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international and national institutes finance many projects in Kyrgyzstan. These include e.g. water supply, tourism, and agricultural development. Additionally, bilateral development cooperation between Finland and Kyrgyzstan is significant. Finland supports e.g., climate research, water sector research, sustainable management of natural resources and rural trade development and green transition.

EBRD has estimated that the GDP of Kyrgyzstan will grow 4% in 2023. The current government considers it important to pay attention for green energy, environmental issues, health care and the development of water and education sectors. In addition, focus is largely with developing sustainable tourism. Finland is known in Kyrgyzstan as a source of good quality products, expertise and technology.

The EBRD estimates that Kyrgyzstan’s GDP will grow by 4.0% this year. The current government considers the development of green energy, environmental issues, healthcare, water and education sectors to be important. In addition, attention is paid to sustainable tourism. Finnish products, know-how and technology are greatly valued in Kyrgyzstan.

It is recommended to depart to Kyrgyzstan from Helsinki on 26^th of August and to return on 2^nd of September. However, participants are free to book their flights as they wish.

The tentative program below will be organized 27.8 – 2.9.2023:

3 days in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (Sun-Tue):

• Visiting Ala Archa national park near Bishkek (Sun 27.8.)
• Joint Finnish – Kyrgyz Business Forum (Mon 28.8. and Tue 29.8.)
  • The Finnish delegation led by the ambassador of Finland to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, representatives of the Kyrgyz administration and business life and experts from international financial institutions, UNDP
  • B2B, B2G, B2C business meetings (29.8.) will be organized according to the wishes of the Finnish company.
• Possible topics for presentations, discussions and meetings:
  • B2B, B2G, B2C discussions and visits to the premises of local companies (if needed)
  • Nationally and internationally funded projects in Kyrgyzstan including green technology, water & wastewater management, circular economy, education and health care
  • Funding opportunities for Finnish – Kyrgyz business cooperation.
  • Export from Kyrgyzstan to Finland (agricultural products such as honey, plums, walnuts apricots and silk and felt products)
  • Mining and processing technology
  • Tourism
  • Telecommunication
  • Circular economy
  • Possibilities for Kyrgyz companies to locate in Helsinki region and access to EU market

3 days in Issyk Kul lake (Wed-Fri), where it is possible to meet producers of local products (agricultural products, wool/felt products, yurts) and to enjoy the beauty of the mountain nature around the second largest alpine lake in the world at the height of 1,7 km.

• Mountains, valleys, gorges, and snow-capped peaks.
  • Possibility for a yurt accommodation
  • Nomad cultural program such as riding, folk music, and dance.
  • Possibility to bathe in a hot spring

The trip will be organized if at least 5 companies from Finland participate. The maximum number of participants for the trip is 12 companies.

For further information and binding registrations, please, contact by latest 31.7.2023 anssi.karppinen@qide.fi.