Through her work with tourists, Gulbara identified a critical gap in the value chain: strong demand for authentic handmade souvenirs was not matched by local supply. This resulted in lost sales and untapped potential for the local economy and cultural heritage of the region.

In 2025, Gulbara joined “Aid for Trade”, UNDP’s regional project, implemented with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and in close partnership with the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan under the National Export Programme “Made in Kyrgyzstan” for 2025–2028.

With the project's support, including the provision of two yurts and expert guidance, the “Taberik” group transformed the traditional yurt-building skill into a modern tourist experience.

“The choice of the yurt was not accidental. The project's training helped us rethink how we work with tourists. As nomadic people, we carry unique knowledge on how to assemble and dismantle a yurt. We decided to turn this into a live experience: visitors now set up the yurt together with the craftswomen, and inside, we hold traditional handicraft master classes,” recalls Gulbara. “Tourists are not just looking for a souvenir; they are looking for an experience. The yurt has become our living workshop, where tradition meets modern tourism.”

Participation in the project has delivered tangible and concrete results. According to Gulbara, with expert support, members of the “Taberik” group improved the quality of their products by learning to better select colours and produce items that meet market standards. They also gained financial management skills, which she describes as one of the most valuable competencies acquired, introduced principles of zero-waste production and environmental responsibility, and developed a deeper understanding of the link between quality and pricing: higher-quality products can be sold at higher prices, directly contributing to more stable incomes.

The impact has extended well beyond business. Gulbara has begun teaching her daughter-in-law traditional crafts, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed on through the “Taberik” group. Her grandchildren have also shown interest, a sign that this chain of tradition will continue.

Gulbara’s plans are both clear and ambitious: to attract young people to the group, introduce modern equipment for a patchwork, and use digital tools to design ornaments. For her, tradition and technology are complementary.

“Everyone has their own talents. You should not sit at home and wait. Grow, teach the younger generation, and take part in training opportunities. I am incredibly happy that I joined this project, met wonderful trainers, and gained so much knowledge. I am deeply grateful to the entire team.”

Gulbara’s story is not an isolated case. In Kyrgyzstan, traditional crafts are increasingly becoming part of sustainable value chains that connect local production, tourism, and markets. Through the Aid for Trade project, UNDP is helping to develop such models, enabling artisans to transition from occasional sales to sustainable, market-oriented businesses.

Stories like Gulbara’s demonstrate how local initiatives can become part of a country’s sustainable economy. The UNDP continues to strengthen the capacities of value chain actors in the felt and leather handicrafts sector. More than 50 craftswomen are currently participating, organized into three exporting MSMEs and six handicraft groups.