The Project is implemented by UNDP with financial support from the Government of Finland in close partnership with national institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic, including the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the State Tourism Development Agency, the State Customs Service, Kyrgyzstandart, sector associations, and regional business support institutions. 

This partnership model combined international expertise, regional experience, and national priorities. The result was not a series of isolated activities, but practical solutions embedded into public systems and designed for long-term sustainability. 

Strengthening SMEs as a Driver of Growth 

One of the Project’s core priorities was strengthening small and medium enterprises as a foundation of Kyrgyzstan’s resilient economy and a key objective under the National Development Programme 2030. 

Support reached all seven regions of the country and more than 4,200 micro, small and medium enterprises through training programmes, advisory services, information campaigns, export caravans, e-commerce forums, women entrepreneurship forums, and other capacity-building initiatives. 

Special attention was given to sectors with strong growth potential, including natural honey production, dried fruits and nuts processing, adventure tourism, handicrafts, and e-commerce. This integrated approach helped local businesses improve competitiveness, access new markets and technologies, adopt more sustainable business models, create jobs, and strengthen regional economies. 

Business-level results were substantial. The Project helped create 570 new jobs, with two-thirds going to women. This represents not only employment growth, but real economic opportunities and lasting change for communities. 

More than 300 small and micro enterprises joined together to form sustainable green value chains, including 153 women-led businesses. This means greener production models and new markets became accessible to entrepreneurs who were previously excluded. 

Exports of participating businesses increased by 21 percent, incomes rose by 35 percent, and productivity grew by 36 percent. Behind these figures are upgraded operations, stronger skills, and more competitive products entering international markets. 

The conclusion is clear: businesses supported by the Project are becoming stronger, more resilient, and more visible both domestically and internationally. 

Supporting National Strategies 

One of the most significant achievements of 2025 at the macro level was the adoption by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of the National Export Development Programme for 2025–2028 under the national brand **Made in Kyrgyzstan**. 

The Programme sets four priority areas: export promotion, trade facilitation, access to finance, and national quality infrastructure. It also identifies ten priority export-oriented product groups. UNDP provided technical support in developing the Programme, helping align international good practice with national economic priorities. 

At the same time, the country took a major step toward building a sustainable tourism industry through adoption of the Sustainable Tourism Development Programme for 2025–2030. 

Under this framework, Kyrgyz Sustainable Tourism Development Standards (KGSTD) were officially approved as the country’s first national certification mechanism for tourism enterprises based on environmental and quality criteria. This established an institutional foundation for green tourism growth and increased trust in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism offer. 

In the first year alone, 152 tourism enterprises completed training under KGSTD, including 93 represented by women. More than 30 accommodation providers successfully met the standards and received certification. This strengthens sector competitiveness and supports Kyrgyzstan’s positioning as a responsible and sustainable destination in international markets. 

Trade and customs reforms also delivered measurable progress. At the request of the State Customs Service, seven key guidance documents were prepared to support implementation of the single window principle for air, rail, road, and e-commerce terminals, significantly reducing administrative barriers for business. 

Operational guidelines were also developed for perishable export goods such as honey, dried fruits, and textiles, helping exporters respond faster to time-sensitive shipments. 

Digitalization was introduced in the Bishkek Centre for Standardization and Metrology through QR codes and electronic signatures in certification systems. This increased transparency, accelerated document verification, and reduced fraud risks. 

Policy output also exceeded expectations. Against a target of four policy proposals, the Project delivered 22—more than five times the original target. 

E-Commerce and Access to New Markets 

E-commerce has become one of the most dynamic and in-demand components of the Project. 

Supported businesses recorded a 63 percent increase in online sales, more than three times above the expected target. This reflects not only growth in numbers, but deep digital transformation and stronger market access through diversified sales channels. 

The e-commerce incubation programme attracted 542 applications, with 48 enterprises selected for support. Of these, 41 businesses, or 85 percent, were women-led—demonstrating the strong potential of women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. 

The results were strong. Graduates of the incubation programme increased online sales by 72 percent and created 232 new jobs, including 169 filled by women. 

The programme was highly practical, helping participants build skills to sell on Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop, OZON, Wildberries, and Coupang in the Republic of Korea. 

As a result, participating entrepreneurs expanded beyond the domestic market and started selling into Singapore, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Bulgaria, and China through global digital trade channels. 

Women’s Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Inclusive Growth 

Support for women’s entrepreneurship was integrated across all Project components and delivered measurable results. 

More than 1,442 women-led enterprises received support against an original target of 1,100. Women accounted for 65 percent of jobs created, 51 percent of SME beneficiaries, and 54 percent of participants in mentoring and incubation programmes. 

The mentoring programme brought together 64 mentor-mentee pairs, with 57 women participating as mentees. Women participants reported a 63 percent increase in sales. 

The Open Osh initiative supported 40 SMEs, 96 percent of them women-led. Combined participant sales reached USD 186,600, while 16 enterprises adopted e-commerce tools. 

These results confirm that investing in women’s entrepreneurship directly increases household incomes, creates jobs, and drives regional development. 

At the policy level, women’s entrepreneurship has now been institutionally recognized through inclusion of a dedicated section in the draft Entrepreneurship Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, a key legal framework for doing business in the country. 

Green Economy and Practical Climate Solutions 

Environmental sustainability was integrated into the Project as a practical economic tool. 

Across 21 business initiatives, 11 climate-resilient solutions were introduced with a total investment of USD 58,087. Businesses themselves contributed 56 percent in co-financing, demonstrating strong ownership and trust in the solutions. 

In the honey sector, solar-powered 12-volt honey extractors were introduced. An automated container washing line reduced water use by more than 55 percent, while a cooling-based homogenizer cut water consumption from 1,000–2,000 litres to 350–450 litres per cycle. 

In dried fruits processing, solar dryers were installed, while 11 farmers fully switched to electric mopeds, eliminating fuel use. 

In tourism, 32 eco-routes were identified, 23 already launched, and solar panels were installed in yurt camps. 

Sustaining Results Beyond Project Completion 

A key value of the Project lies in the sustainability of results. The systems created continue to function after external financing ends, creating a stronger institutional and market foundation for future growth. 

The KyrgyzExport Centre for Export Development and Promotion is now fully staffed and operational as a national export support service. Through export.gov.kg, local businesses can access market profiles, analytical materials, and practical export guides. 

This creates long-term conditions for non-resource export growth, stronger competitiveness, and deeper integration into regional and global value chains. 

The Centre for Standardization and Metrology has been accredited as a national certification body under ISO and FSSC 22000 standards. This strengthens national quality infrastructure and allows domestic producers to certify products locally rather than relying on foreign providers. 

Export Promotion with Measurable Results 

Export promotion generated concrete commercial outcomes. More than 80 Kyrgyz enterprises received support to participate in international exhibitions, trade fairs, and B2B meetings. 

As a result, export contracts worth more than USD 17 million were concluded. 

Six SMEs also achieved ISO 22000 certification, including four in dried fruit processing and two in honey production and export. This has strengthened their market position and increased confidence among international buyers and consumers. 

Lessons for Sustainable Development 

The Aid for Trade Project offers several important lessons. 

First, a multi-level approach works. Results at enterprise level—jobs, higher incomes, new markets—depend on supportive institutions and policy frameworks. 

Second, gender integration delivers measurable returns when treated as a management priority rather than a statement of intent. More than 1,400 women-led enterprises supported and 65 percent of jobs created are clear evidence. 

Third, environmental sustainability and competitiveness reinforce each other. Green technologies reduce costs while opening access to standards-based international markets. 

Fourth, lasting results depend on how well they are embedded into national institutions before project closure. 

The experience of the Aid for Trade Project shows that trade becomes a real engine of development when it works for people, entrepreneurship, green growth, and strong institutions. For Kyrgyzstan, this is especially important as the country advances implementation of its National Development Programme and seeks new sources of economic growth.