Dear AmCham Members and Partners,

2009 has been rich in content for the Chamber in many ways. The AmCham has been successful in advocating trade, tax, IPR and educational issues. We put into practice thematic events such as the Second Annual Trade Conference and business lunches.

In the coming year we plan to advance the recommendations of the trade event and education research, closely working with state officials and top educators. The Trade Conference and education survey revealed substantial conclusions. There is so much work to be done in simplifying trade barriers, fighting piracy and counterfeit products, introducing trade financing and reforming economic educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan. In the pages of the Magazine you have a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with a set of recommendations for these issues.

Beyond advocacy efforts, I am glad to note the newly launched “Annual Awards Project” found positive feedback among our membership. Given the aim of the project and results of the merit-based competition, AmCham rewarded the company-winners. The most active members and the brightest business leaders were selected by jury for their outstanding contribution to strengthening the image of AmCham and the business environment in Kyrgyzstan. The appreciation of exceptional business representatives will remain one of the AmCham’s priorities as it encourages ownership of the AmCham family.

I would like to thank AmCham members whose leadership and enthusiasm in implementing our projects and advocating interests might serve as a model of our productive partnership. In the meantime, I am confident there is so much room for joint activity with a wider membership in the coming year.

I do believe that 2010 will be very exciting for AmCham. I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a very successful New Year!   

Warm regards,

Ainura Cholponkulova

Executive Director

Text from AmCham Business Partnership Magazine #1, February-April 2010