Within the framework of the Aid for Trade project, UNDP helps strengthen the value chain in the handicraft production of felt and leather goods in the Osh, Jalal-Abad and Issyk-Kul regions.

39 artisans were selected on a competitive basis:

• Osh region - 13;

• Jalal-Abad region - 14;

• Issyk-Kul region - 12.

The project unites the efforts of artisans and representatives of the tourism industry, providing participants with knowledge and practical skills in the creation and sale of handicraft products. Through study visits, participants became familiar with successful models of building value chains and discussed opportunities for further cooperation. 

From July 13 to 15, 15 participants from Osh and Jalal-Abad regions visited craft and tourist sites in Issyk-Kul region, where they learned about the following topics and areas of work:

• EthnoMir Point: digital solutions and partner network;

• Old Mill: museum as a tool for economic opportunities;

• Ethno-resort Taberik: integration of guest house services and master classes;

• Guest house Paradise: innovative approaches to providing services through public-private partnership.

From July 20 to 23, 20 participants from Issyk-Kul region visited Alay district of Osh region and learned about the following topics:

• Nomad Store: experience of entering export;

• NGO Bai Alay: full production cycle from sheep wool to finished slippers;

• Kurmanjan Datka Museum: cultural heritage as a source of inspiration;

• Pamir Nomad Yurt Camp: handicrafts as part of the tourist product;

• Chon-Alai Ishker Ayimdary: master classes on the traditional weaving technique “taar” for making bags.

As a result of the tour, participants established new business contacts and signed three Memorandums of Cooperation with export-oriented micro, small and medium enterprises to expand sales and improve the quality of their products.

This initiative is part of the fifth phase of the regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia”, funded by the Government of Finland. The project covers Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, promoting “green” value chains to increase economic competitiveness and facilitate gender-sensitive diversification in response to changing market trends. Prioritizing sustainable sectors such as handicrafts allows UNDP to contribute to the creation of more resilient and inclusive economies in the region.