Kyrgyz Entrepreneurs Elevate Youth Innovation: Highlights from OSCE's CiO Youth Forum in Skopje, North Macedonia

Two aspiring entrepreneurs from the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Nurgazy Raev and Ms. Tansuluu Arstanbekova participated at the Chairmanship in Office’s (CiO) Youth Forum titled "Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Creating a Sustainable Future in the OSCE Region." This initiative underscores commitments of the OSCE participating states to advancing and nurturing youth entrepreneurship within the OSCE region.

Mr. Nurgazy Raev and Ms. Tansuluu Arstanbekova are pioneers in sustainable business practices, specializing in the production of environmentally friendly goods and services in Jalal-Abad and Osh provinces of the Kyrgyz Republic. Tansuluu specializes in the packaging and manufacturing of dehydrated fruit products intended both for local markets as well as for exporting. Nurgazy oversees a chain of coffee establishments that additionally offer a selection of freshly squeezed juices. Both Tansulu and Nurgazy are graduates of the Entrepreneurship Support Centres, established by the OSCE Porgramme Office in Bishkek in five provinces of the Kyrgyz Republic. The centres have played a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support for the development of youth entrepreneurship, offering comprehensive consulting services in areas such as business development, legal aspects of doing business, finance, and marketing.

Over the course of two years, the Entrepreneurship Support Centres have provided guidance to more than 358 young entrepreneurs, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the complexities of business. This robust support system aligns with our overarching objective of fostering a conducive environment for youth entrepreneurship to thrive, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the Kyrgyz Republic and the wider OSCE region.