IBC Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary!

IBC, December 9, 2025. On December 5, the International Business Council celebrated the 25th anniversary of the association. Founded in 2000, the IBC has grown into one of Kyrgyzstan's most respected business associations — a unified voice for business that is heard and respected. The anniversary evening brought together representatives of business, government agencies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. The evening's program included reflections on the IBC's history of success and an awards ceremony honoring the association's members and partners. Congratulating association members on the anniversary, IBC Executive Director Askar Sydykov thanked everyone for years of cooperation and their contribution to the country's economy: "Every day we hear words of gratitude from entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens who have been helped by our work — and that gratitude belongs to you. It has been a great honor and responsibility for us to represent the voice of Kyrgyzstan's business, both at home and abroad, all these years, and we will do everything we can to carry this noble mission forward with dignity." On behalf of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration, congratulated the IBC in a video address. "Companies that are IBC members generate more than 20 percent of tax revenue in Kyrgyzstan's state budget. That is an enormous contribution to the country's economic development. I am confident that the relationship between the International Business Council and government agencies will continue to strengthen and grow. This is joint work, first and foremost, on developing the economy and drafting regulatory legal acts that will have a positive impact on our entrepreneurs," said the head of the Cabinet of Ministers, wishing the IBC continued success. Today, the IBC brings together representatives of 20 economic sectors and more than 150 active association members, both from Kyrgyzstan and abroad. The IBC operates 8 sector committees: on mineral resources, the financial market, fiscal policy, human resources management, intellectual property, tourism, construction and real estate, and an ESG committee. "Every year we work through hundreds of issues that concern business, and a significant share of them are successfully resolved. Over the past six years, the cumulative financial and economic effect of the IBC's work has amounted to at least USD 472 million," said Askar Sydykov. Tanvir Aftab, Chairman of the IBC Board and founder of Kant TSP LLC, spoke about how the association helps companies integrate and grow their business in Kyrgyzstan. "When someone comes to me and says they want to start a business in Kyrgyzstan, I always suggest arranging a meeting with the IBC leadership. I'm proud that before introducing laws related to business, taxes, or investment, the government turns to the IBC for consultation," said Tanvir Aftab. The early 2000s were a time when Kyrgyzstan was in the midst of transitioning to a market economy. The International Business Council emerged as an initiative of international companies and organizations to provide a platform for public-private dialogue and cooperation, share experience, and build trusted relationships. "I arrived in this country in March 2000 as head of the EBRD's country office, and I immediately got to know business representatives. At that time, there were few international businesses in the country. We joined forces with the German ambassador at the time, Klaus Achenbach, and created an international business club," recalls Fernand Pillonel, former head of the EBRD in the Kyrgyz Republic and the IBC's first Board Chairman. "The history of the IBC is, in many ways, the history of the emergence and development of public-private dialogue in Kyrgyzstan, and over the years business has truly become a co-creator of the country's development. Now, more than ever, it's important for the business community to maintain an active stance and work together to improve the business environment and investment climate. Our association will continue pursuing these goals and contributing to improving the lives of the people of Kyrgyzstan," concluded IBC head Askar Sydykov. We extend our sincere gratitude to the event's partners: General Partners: Alliance Altyn LLC, Kant TSP LLC, Freedom Broker LLC. Official Partners: Abdysh-Ata LLC, Kyrgyzstan Insurance Company CJSC, KAZ Minerals Bozymchak LLC, Demir Kyrgyz International Bank CJSC, Lion LLC, O! Bank OJSC. Partners: Baker Tilly Bishkek LLC, Coca-Cola Bishkek Bottlers CJSC, Stewart Essay and Environmental Laboratories LLC, Techno Center LLC, Tezcom LTD LLC.