Plans are in place, but data is lacking: what is holding back the development of Kyrgyzstan’s regions

The main problem in developing socio-economic development programmes in Kyrgyzstan’s regions remains the lack of high-quality data and the slow transition from paper-based planning to digital systems. This was stated by Ainura Balakunova, an expert at the Institute for Development Policy.

At a conference on regional development in Bishkek, Ainura Balakunova, an expert on local economic development at the Institute for Development Policy, identified the key challenges faced by local authorities in their planning.

According to her, municipalities find it difficult to work on the development of socio-economic development programmes due to a lack of systematic data. This hinders the creation of quality indicators and reduces the effectiveness of planning.

A slow transition to digital planning and monitoring is also noted. Although electronic modules and monitoring systems are already being introduced in pilot districts, not all municipalities have fully switched to digital tools, and the implementation process is proceeding gradually.

Other common challenges for the districts include difficulties in organising focus groups and limited resources for implementing specific activities and securing additional funding.

The issue of data quality and digitalisation has been raised against the backdrop of the introduction of new regional development management tools under the EGED programme, which is being implemented in pilot districts of Kyrgyzstan with the aim of improving planning and economic growth.