Kyrgyz PM and Swiss Minister of Economy discuss bilateral cooperation

Bishkek, July 16, 2018. / Kabar/. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Mukhammedkaliy Abylgaziev met today with Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Mr. Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the Kyrgyz Government’s press service reported. "I highly appreciate the level of Kyrgyz-Swiss relations, which are characterized by progressive development. For more than 25 years of diplomatic relations, Switzerland has provided the Kyrgyz Republic with grant assistance of about $ 370 million. We highly appreciate the multilateral support provided by Switzerland, including those aimed at strengthening democracy and improving the electoral process. I want to note the actively developing cooperation within the framework of international financial organizations, where Switzerland, in accordance with an intergovernmental agreement, represents the interests of our country. As you know, Kyrgyzstan is part of the so-called Swiss voting group at the Bretton Woods Institutions - the IMF and the World Bank," the Prime Minister said. Abylgaziev stressed that in 2017 the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $ 507 million, and given the degree of political dialogue, it has all the prerequisites for growth. "At the same time, we are interested in attracting investments and are ready to fully support the Swiss business in the country, creating the most favorable conditions for investors. One of the main priorities of the Government is ensuring maximum protection of the attracted funds of investors," the Kyrgyz Prime Minister assured. From his part Johann Schneider-Amman noted that he highly appreciates the level of bilateral cooperation. "As part of our delegation there are business representatives who came to study the local market, the legislation, personally familiarize themselves with the conditions provided for investors, as well as make sure of the investment attractiveness. We are sure that entrepreneurs will find for themselves projects and partners who will be interested in them. At the same time, we are interested in developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries," he said. Also, Johann Schneider-Amman noted the importance of developing vocational education and advanced technologies for the development of the country's economy as a whole. In conclusion, the Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland invited the Kyrgyz Prime Minister to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos.