On May 16, StrategEast and UNDP hosted a meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. dedicated to the development of the digital economy in the country.
The meeting has been attended by representatives of the World Bank, EBRD, USAID, GIZ, OSCE, UNDP, Delegation of the European Union in the Kyrgyz Republic, Embassy of Japan in Kyrgyz Republic, Palladium, the Kyrgyz Software and Services Developers’ Association (KSSDA), Aga Khan Development Foundation of the Kyrgyz Republic, High Tech Park Kyrgyzstan, and others.
Louise Chamberlain, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan presented the UNDP’s efforts for IT industry development, including launch of a startup generator and facilitating women entrepreneurship.
In particular, Ms Chamberlain talked about Business Digital Academy initiative aimed at facilitating data-driven digital governance, digital economy, and green economy development.
Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast, clarified which areas should be in today’s focus for the IT development in Kyrgyzstan: working with global companies, increasing the level of education of the population – in particular English studies, development of delivery skills among IT specialists.
GIZ, the World Bank, Aga Khan Development Foundation (Accelerate prosperity) spoke about their digital agenda and the projects they are implementing.
Japan Embassy in Kyrgyzstan shared information on the IT courses with Arabaev University and their plans to organize a tour for local IT companies to Japan to attract investors.
Representatives of KSSDA Avigail Menashe and director of the High-Tech Park Chubak Temirov presented the achievements of the IT industry in Kyrgyzstan, and announced what priorities are important for further development.