Kyrgyzstan, IFAD discuss opening IFAD representative in Bishkek

Bishkek, Oct. 16, 2025 /Kabar/. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers - Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industries Bakyt Torobaev met with Donal Brown, Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in Rome.

Bakyt Torobaev thanked the fund for its long-term support and significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector of Kyrgyzstan.

We highly appreciate the strategic partnership with IFAD. Thanks to this cooperation that initiatives aimed at increasing farmers' incomes, strengthening food security and sustainable development of rural areas are being implemented, said Bakyt Torobaev. According to him, since 2009, a number of important projects have been implemented in Kyrgyzstan with IFAD support, system of pasture management at the local community level has been established, the potential of the veterinary service has been strengthened, more than 3 thousand rural families have been supported, cooperatives have developed, and innovative technologies have been introduced into the agricultural sector. IFAD’s total investment in the Kyrgyz economy exceeds $120 million.

The meeting also discussed the implementation of the new IFAD-funded Livestock and Market Development Project III with a budget of $21 million and its expansion within the IFAD-14 financing cycle. The Kyrgyz side expressed its interest in early agreement on this project and submitting it for consideration by the IFAD Board of Directors in December 2025. One of the main issues of the meeting was to consider the possibility of opening official IFAD representative office in Bishkek. This step would significantly increase the effectiveness of on-site monitoring and interaction of projects.

In turn, Mr. Donal Brown noted the positive results of many years of cooperation and expressed confidence in further expanding partnership with Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is an important partner for IFAD in Central Asia. We are ready to continue supporting initiatives aimed at the sustainable development of rural areas and improving the living standards of the population, he emphasized.