Kyrgyzstan appoints special representative for sanctions policy

Kyrgyzstan is stepping up coordination regarding foreign economic risks associated with international sanctions. The country’s president has signed a decree appointing a special representative for sanctions policy and the minimisation of sanctions risks.

The post has been given to the Minister of Economy and Trade, Bakyt Sydykov, who will combine this role with his existing responsibilities. He has also been granted the status of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers until 31 December 2026.

According to the decree, the new special representative will be responsible for coordinating the work of state bodies to prevent and mitigate sanctions risks, as well as for formulating Kyrgyzstan’s unified position in dialogue with foreign regulators, international organisations, financial institutions and trading partners.

A separate area of responsibility covers analysing the impact of sanctions regimes on the country’s economy, including the financial sector, trade, logistics, industry, investment and cross-border settlements.

The Special Representative’s tasks will also include:

• conducting negotiations and consultations on sanctions-related issues on behalf of Kyrgyzstan
• coordinating inter-ministerial working groups
• developing proposals on sanctions compliance and foreign economic policy
• interacting with diplomatic missions and international financial institutions

The right to request information from government bodies, initiate meetings and issue instructions that must be considered has been specifically enshrined.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide diplomatic support for the Special Representative’s work, including the organisation of negotiations and consultations with foreign partners.

Government bodies, in turn, are obliged to provide the necessary data and promptly inform the Special Representative of risks associated with sanctions restrictions, cross-border payments, logistics and foreign economic activity.