How migrant workers develop businesses, according to the Ministry of Labour

In Batken, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Migration Kanat Sagybaev visited a participant in the national pilot programme ‘Mekenim 1+1’ and familiarised himself with the results of its implementation.

The programme supports labour migrants and their families who invest capital earned abroad in businesses and long-term projects in Kyrgyzstan.

The ‘1+1’ mechanism provides grant assistance on condition of an equal contribution from the migrant. The funds are directed towards business development in the fields of light industry, tourism, education, IT, manufacturing, transport and logistics.

To date, 59 migrants have received grants and are developing small and medium-sized businesses. Among the examples is Azatbek Zairbekov's Bon Espresso coffee shop, which invested 500,000 soms and received a 206,000 KGS grant, earning about 9,000KGS daily.

Kanat Sagybaev noted that the programme is effective in creating jobs, strengthening the economy and supporting entrepreneurship. In the Batken region, 38 people are already participating in the project, which demonstrates the high level of confidence in the programme and the potential of the region.