Kyrgyzstan President Caparov Marks 4th Year in Power


Kyrgyzstan President Caparov Marks 4th Year in Power

During President Sadyr Japarov's four-year tenure, significant emphasis has been placed on fighting organized crime and corruption, while a longstanding border dispute with Tajikistan, which had led to deadly clashes, was resolved.

Under Japarov’s leadership, anti-corruption efforts have been prioritized, and the border issue with Tajikistan was resolved.

One of the key events during this period was the appointment of a trustee on May 18, 2021, to oversee the Kumtor gold mine, which had been operated by a Canadian company for 28 years. The mine was nationalized on April 4, 2022.

In the fight against organized crime, corruption, and bribery, Caparov's administration has made notable strides.

The national budget increased from 308 billion som (3.52 billion USD) in 2020 to 687 billion som (7.85 billion USD) in 2024.

Kyrgyzstan, which faced a budget deficit of approximately 340 million USD in 2020, is expected to see a surplus of around 70 million USD in 2024.

According to the National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyzstan's GDP in 2024 grew by 9% compared to the previous year, reaching 1.5 trillion som (17.44 billion USD).

Industrial production also increased by 5.5% to 6.8 billion USD, and the country’s foreign trade volume rose by 3.7% to reach 14.6 billion USD.

The gross agricultural output for 2024 amounted to 4.52 billion USD.

Record Tax Collection and Infrastructure Development

Kyrgyzstan's State Tax Service reported a record-breaking 228.2 billion som (2.62 billion USD) in tax revenues in 2024,

This is attributed to increased efforts in identifying tax evasion factors, enhanced monitoring, and the implementation of modern digital technologies.

Additionally, hundreds of properties were nationalized, new airport terminals were built across the country, and automobile and drone manufacturing plants commenced operations.

Over the past four years, 268 schools, 52 nurseries, and three villages—Kapchagay, Dostuk, and Barak—comprising 101 homes, were built. Construction of numerous mini-hydroelectric power plants continues.

Kyrgyz People Experience Mass Social Housing for the First Time

During the initial years of Japarov’s presidency, there was criticism for prioritizing security forces in addressing housing issues.

However, the government shifted focus and allocated 138 million USD to Kyrgyzstan's State Mortgage Company (KMİK), a body similar to Turkey’s TOKİ (Housing Development Administration).

For the first time in the country’s history, 1,059 families moved into new homes with favorable payment terms. Large-scale housing projects continue, with 40,000 apartments currently under construction.

Resolution of the 33-Year Border Dispute with Tajikistan

The border issue between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which had been a source of conflict due to the arbitrary borders drawn by the Soviet Union, was resolved after armed clashes began in 2011.

On December 4, 2024, a joint statement declared the resolution of the border dispute, with both countries expected to sign formal agreements in March 2025.

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project

The foundation for the Kyrgyz section of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project, which will enhance Kyrgyzstan’s strategic position in transportation and trade, was laid on December 27, 2024.

President Japarov emphasized that this railway will facilitate the transportation of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan and beyond, to Central Asia, the Middle East, and the European Union.

The total construction cost of the project is estimated at 4.66 billion USD. This project aims to ease transportation for landlocked Kyrgyzstan.