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Forum of suppliers of goods and services for the mining industry held in Bishkek

IBC
June 27, 2019

On June 27, the International Business Council held the first Forum of Suppliers of Goods and Services for the Mining Industry of Kyrgyzstan.

This was not a traditional forum, when all those invited are sitting in the hall listening to speakers. Ten large mining companies, including KAZ Minerals Bozymchak, Kumtor Gold Company, Altynken, Highland Exploration and others, and 28 supplier companies from various sectors of the economy held presentations during six hours and exchanged information in several halls of Hyatt Regency Bishkek (a list of participating companies is attached).

Subsoil users explained the procurement procedures to suppliers and answered all their questions. Suppliers put up their stands and offered their services.

Askar Sydykov, IBC Executive Director, told how the idea of holding the forum arose.

“Suppliers of goods and services often turn to IBC, and not only for the mining industry, but also for other sectors of the economy. We decided to bring together suppliers of goods and services in one place to acquaint one another, and help establish contacts for further joint projects,” explained the IBC head.

In parallel with suppliers of direct goods and services (design, exploration, drilling and blasting, and testing), the exhibition also presented related services such as supply of food, workwear, lighting equipment and much more — everything that can be purchased in the country.

Kumtor Gold Company repairs more equipment and purchases more spare parts at local enterprises, KGC President Daniel Desjardins said at the forum. Every year, KGC spends at least $300 million for local purchases. This forum serves a good platform for supplier companies to find possible partners and establish contacts.

The cooperation often fails to establish because of a lack of information. For example, not everyone knows that the country produces materials for mining and recycles industrial waste. Subsoil users do not always have information on where and what purchases can be made in Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, they are ready to buy more from local companies and enterprises.

Recently, the mining industry has been developing rapidly in our country, and the need for services is increasing. We are promoting that local companies work in Kyrgyzstan, and more local people are involved in work. Then investors will have fewer problems with the local population,” said Aigerim Omokoeva, Executive Director of Aji Service LLC which provides special equipment and other services for the mining industry.

Focusing on the development of production in the regions, the State pays special attention to the expansion of local procurement. Events such as the IBC forum will stimulate local procurement in Kyrgyzstan, demonstrate the transparency of procurement procedures and build a permanent dialogue between all stakeholders, the forum organizers believe.