LocationsOne Village, One Product: A Journey Towards Responsible Entrepreneurship
July 2, 2025
Entrepreneur Nargiza Erkinbaeva
Back in 2014, Nargiza Erkinbaeva, alongside a group of like-minded individuals, pondered how to unlock the potential of their region and empower local communities. With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Japanese 'One Village, One Product' (OVOP) model of local development was introduced to the Kyrgyz Republic. Nargiza took the helm of the "OVОP+1" Public Interest Corporation.
The concept is elegantly simple: to harness local resources, add value, and craft unique products that reflect the distinctive character of each village.
"We believed that every village held something special, something that would resonate with the world," Nargiza recalls. "Our task was to unearth these treasures, to help people believe in themselves, and to teach them how to create quality products that would be in demand."
Over the course of a decade, OVОP has blossomed into a resilient network of producers, boasting over 3,000 participants from across the country. Their diverse range of products is truly captivating, from delectable honey and handcrafted felt items to natural cosmetics and original souvenirs fashioned from wood and stone. OVОP shops flourish in Bishkek, Karakol, and Osh, and their wares are increasingly exported to Japan, Europe, and the United States, winning the hearts of discerning customers.
However, the road to success was far from easy. Nargiza admits that, in the early days, their focus was primarily on production and securing markets, with less attention paid to matters of human rights.
A new chapter in their development began with participation in the UNDP project, 'Business and Human Rights,' implemented with the support of the Government of Japan. This initiative formed part of a broader global effort to raise standards for the protection of human rights in business activities across 17 countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic. Its primary aim was to minimise the adverse impact of commercial activities on human rights.
Thanks to UNDP's support, OVOP introduced a system for monitoring working conditions, ensured fair wages, championed female entrepreneurs, and fostered environmental stewardship. The organisation became a member of the Business and Human Rights Academy, where representatives from 53 domestic companies, including 12 Japanese companies, joint ventures, and their suppliers/partners, undertook intensive training on human rights due diligence.
"When we completed the training, we realised that sustainable business is impossible without respecting people. It's not just about complying with the law; it's about trust, reputation, and our future.”- Nargiza explains.
The experiences of organisations like OVОP have become part of a wider national transformation. In 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic approved a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, becoming the first country in Central Asia and the CIS to adopt such a strategic document. This marked a significant step towards a more equitable and responsible approach to entrepreneurship.
Today, OVОP is more than just a successful brand; it serves as an example of how entrepreneurial activity can be harmonised with respect for human rights, social responsibility, and environmental values. OVOP products have become synonymous with quality and a responsible approach to business.
This story illustrates how the partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan is unlocking the potential of local initiatives and promoting the principles of sustainable development, human rights, and equal opportunities in the Kyrgyz Republic.
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