• GDP: US$5 billion (2008).
• Main exports: Cotton, wool, meat, tobacco, gold, mercury, uranium, hydropower, machinery and shoes.
• Main imports: Oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals and food.
• Main trade partners: Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Switzerland.

Kyrgyzstan is one of poorest countries of the former Soviet Union. Although its economy is largely based in agriculture, the country does have a number of natural resources. After gaining independence, Kyrgyzstan undertook a number of regulatory reforms and was the first country from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to be accepted into the World Trade Organisation. This was after a predictable drop in production following independence.

Kyrgyzstan became part of the heavily indebted poor countries initiative (HIPC) in 2006. Although the country's economy grew by 6% in 2007-08 there is likely to be a drop in 2009 due to the financial crisis.

Kyrgyzstan is actively seeking overseas partners to modernise its industry and introduce new technology. To this end, it has enacted a number of laws to encourage and protect foreign investors; the law on property extends to all foreign investors the rights granted to Kyrgyz citizens with respect to ownership; foreigners are allowed to purchase businesses and buildings to carry out their activities, but the government reserves the exclusive right to own land, natural resources, water, agriculture and livestock. There are significant tax holidays for foreign investors.

In order to invest in Kyrgyzstan, foreigners must be registered with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Applications to set up in Kyrgyzstan should be sent in the first instance to the State Committee on Foreign Investments and Economic Assistance (Goskominvest). The government is particularly interested in encouraging investment in mining, industry (including electronics, light agricultural machinery and pharmaceuticals), petroleum, hydroelectricity and agriculture.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (Mar-Oct).

Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300 (Nov-Feb).

State Technical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic on Foreign Investments and Economic Development
Room 210, ul Erkindik 58A, 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Tel: (312) 223 292.

Ministry of Finance
Prospekt Erkindik 58, 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Tel: (312) 228 922.

Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Foreign Affairs Department
Kievskaya 107, 720001 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Tel: (312) 210 565.
Website: www.ihk-kg.de

US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration
USA Trade Centre, 1401 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20230, USA
Tel (202) 482 4655.
Website: www.ita.doc.gov