From November 19–21, the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic took part in the Validation Workshop on the national self-assessment for the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement. The workshop was organized by the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in cooperation with the International Trade Centre (ITC) within the framework of the EU-funded project Ready4Trade Central Asia: Supporting Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

As part of the country’s preparations for accession to the IFD Agreement, the National Investment Agency established an Interagency Working Group, which conducted a comprehensive self-assessment of national practices against the Agreement’s requirements. The Working Group reviewed 23 articles of the Agreement and responded to more than 500 assessment questions. The results, including identified gaps and areas requiring technical support, formed the basis for discussion during the workshop.

Accession to the IFD Agreement is expected to unlock new opportunities for simplifying investment procedures, introducing a “single window” mechanism, and strengthening the country’s institutional capacity.

During the three-day workshop, ITC experts and members of the Interagency Working Group continued refining the national self-assessment. The outcomes of this process will help determine further steps aimed at aligning the regulatory and institutional framework of the Kyrgyz Republic with international best practices. Key findings and categorized measures under the IFD Agreement will be presented at a high-level event.

AmCham was pleased to contribute to this important dialogue, representing the interests of the private sector and supporting efforts to enhance
the investment climate in the Kyrgyz Republic.