Address by Sadyr Zhaparov to forum participants: Kyrgyzstan remains a leader in economic growth in the CIS and EAEU, Russia is a key partner

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov sent a welcoming address to the participants of the VII Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum, which was read out by Azamat Kadyraliyev, Head of the Department for Preparing Decisions of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Presidential Administration.

In his message, the head of state noted that the republic has demonstrated the highest economic growth rates among the CIS and EAEU countries, averaging 9% per year over the past three years.

This year's forum is dedicated to the theme ‘Digital sovereignty as a factor of stable growth and technological cooperation in the EAEU.’

In this regard, Zhaparov stressed that issues of technological independence, digital data protection and the development of national IT infrastructure are coming to the fore. At the same time, according to the head of state, the Union countries have the potential to become leaders in the digital transformation of the region and active players in the global technology market.

The president recalled that in 2024, trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Russia grew by 25% and reached $3.9 billion, while exports of Kyrgyz goods to Russia increased by almost 40%. Russian direct investment in the country's economy amounted to $280 million, with the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund playing a key role in attracting it, financing more than 3,600 projects worth over $900 million.

Sadyr Zhaparov noted the importance of the forum as a platform for strengthening business ties and emphasised that this year, for the first time, it is hosting an off-site event of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which highlights Kyrgyzstan's growing role in Eurasian integration.

‘Through joint efforts, we can significantly accelerate economic growth. I am confident that the exchange of views at the forum will contribute to sustainable development, technological progress and mutual benefit,’ the president said in his address, in which he wished the participants constructive dialogue and the achievement of practical agreements for the benefit of the states and peoples.