Bishkek, 17 June 2025 — In response to the growing demand for digital trade skills and in line with the National Export Development Programme “Made in Kyrgyzstan” (2025–2028) and the E-commerce Support and Development Programme in the Kyrgyz Republic (2023–2026), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in close collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Export Development and Promotion Centre “Kyrgyz Export,” and other key business support institutions, conducted a targeted three-day capacity-building initiative on e-commerce.

This training was part of the Aid for Trade (Phase V) project and the Socio-Economic Recovery from the Negative Consequences of COVID-19 in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken Provinces, both funded by UNDP. The training was conducted with the support of OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek “Strengthening Economic Connectivity and Enhancing Export Promotion” project. Its goal was to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of 30 representatives from governmental bodies and institutions supporting entrepreneurs, enabling them to better assist businesses in accessing and competing on digital markets.

Over three intensive days, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering essential e-commerce topics: registration on popular marketplaces, product listing, branding, logistics, payment systems, and legal compliance. The content was tailored to address key barriers identified during pre-training consultations—such as low digital literacy, frequent registration errors, and insufficient market analysis among MSMEs. The programme also featured expert presentations from national regulatory agencies, including the Tax and Customs Services, Kyrgyz Post, and commercial banks. A special session on e-commerce strategies and digital market entry planning helped participants build hands-on skills directly relevant to Kyrgyz entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the programme’s practical value and alignment with institutional needs,

“As digital markets become increasingly important, it is critical that our institutions are equipped to guide entrepreneurs through this transition. This training gives us the practical knowledge and tools we need to provide real support to SMEs on their path to digitalization,” said Avazbek Kerimbayev, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic.

From a development perspective, the training also served as a platform for long-term impact:

“At UNDP, we view this as an important investment in long-term digital resilience and in fostering partnerships both within and beyond Kyrgyzstan. Strengthening local capacity means that support for entrepreneurs doesn’t end with the project—it multiplies and adapts across sectors and regions, and extends beyond borders helping Kyrgyz businesses grow sustainably,” - said Azamat Usubaliev, Team Leader of the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster at UNDP Kyrgyzstan.

The training addressed concrete needs identified by local stakeholders and was delivered through a practical, hands-on approach. Participants worked directly with simulated e-commerce operations, using real platforms and case studies grounded in the Kyrgyz context. This approach not only facilitated effective learning but also enabled participating institutions to replicate and scale such trainings independently.

Looking ahead, UNDP and its partners will continue supporting the digital transformation of Kyrgyzstan’s business ecosystem through capacity building, policy dialogue, and technical support.

To ensure sustainability, all training materials—including manuals in Kyrgyz and Russian, case-based exercises, and templates for digital promotion—will be made available via partner platforms. This initiative marks a key step toward strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s integration into the global digital economy and enhancing the competitiveness of its MSMEs.