The authorities will be able to reclaim land from foreign investors if projects are not implemented

Controls over foreign investors are to be tightened in Kyrgyzstan. If a project is not implemented within the stipulated timeframe, the state will be able to terminate the lease agreement and reclaim the plot of land.

As Sadyr Zhaparov stated in an interview with the Kabar news agency, the amendments to the Land Code do not allow foreigners to purchase land, but merely improve the existing mechanism for long-term leases. Specific deadlines for construction, investment volumes, the number of jobs created and tax revenues will now be set for each investment project. In the event of a breach of the terms, the state will be able to terminate the agreement and reclaim the plot.

The amendments are being discussed following concerns raised on social media that foreigners had allegedly been permitted to acquire land for 50 years.

According to the president, the long-term lease mechanism has been in place in Kyrgyzstan for many years and has been used in the implementation of major investment projects.