OSCE Centre supports new office to help develop business environment in southern Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 28 September 2005 - Providing information support to business associations in southern Kyrgyzstan is the aim of a new regional office which opened its doors in Osh today with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The office, run by the International Business Council (IBC) and the Congress of Business Associations (CBA), will help businesses from the towns of Batken, Jalabad and Osh to make their voice heard at national level through representation to parliament and Government.

"We are very glad to support such an initiative, which will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of the business environment in southern Kyrgyzstan by offering a number of valuable services," said Jerome Bouyjou, Head of the OSCE Osh Field Office. "It is essential that all businesses in the country receive timely information on changes in legislation and are able to express their views to decision-makers."

"Although business associations, including the IBC and CBA, have been very active in the north of the country in recent years, businesses in the south have not had the same opportunity to present their issues to government. By supporting both bodies in opening this regional office to serve the southern region we hope to address this imbalance and provide a stronger voice to businesses in the south.", said Asim Acikel, Economic Environment Officer.

The office will be a focal point to work with local business associations and business entrepreneurs throughout southern Kyrgyzstan. Businesses will be supported in working together and lobbying the Government to improve the business environment. It will also provide information services and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and local business associations in the south and assist entrepreneurs in defending their rights by providing legal advice, as required.