Anti-Corruption Business Council holds its first meeting

The first meeting of the Anti-Corruption Business Council (ABC) under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was held on July 27 with the participation of representatives of the business community.

According to ABC Secretary General Nuripa Mukanova, a breakthrough in economic development is needed now, but there are huge barriers to business development in the country. Corruption is one of these barriers. She called on businesspeople, together with the Anti-Corruption Business Council, to build effective work.

“The priority area of the Council's activities will be the protection of business from corrupt interactions with government agencies, the protection of property rights of internal and external investors, the responsibility of entrepreneurs for doing business without corruption and getting out of the shadow economy,” said Mukanova.

Entrepreneurs spoke about the need for effective implementation of the presidential decree on additional measures to protect business entities.

“We were familiarized with the ABC principles, who will join it and on what terms,” said Dastan Imanaliev, Deputy Executive Director of the International Business Council.

“For example, ABC members will be elected for two years from representatives of government agencies, the business community, scientific and educational institutions. They must meet certain requirements — have experience in fighting corruption, conducting research, and have expert potential," Imanaliev added.

Business and the ABC head have determined the topics to be discussed at the first meeting with the participation of the President.

To develop directions for the Council's work, similar meetings will soon be held with the civil sector, scientific and educational institutions.

On July 8, 2021, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree establishing the Anti-Corruption Business Council under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The main goal of the Council is to improve the state policy in the field of anti-corruption, ensure an effective dialogue between government authorities and civil society on anti-corruption issues, as well as create favorable conditions for business development, improve the investment climate and mechanisms to protect and support the activities of business entities.