Representatives of business associations and government agencies of Kyrgyzstan become familiar with the activity of Japanese business associations and their interaction with the government.

As part of the program, the participants met with representatives of Japanese business and heads of business associations as well as with experts of the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Small Business Agency under MITI.

In addition to meetings, training seminars on various topics were held for the program participants such as the production of a small business and management objectives; the development policy of small and medium-sized enterprises; cooperation with economic and industry organizations; and organizational management and operation of branch organizations on the example of several industries.

"The tour was very informative and helpful, and I am grateful to JICA for its organization,” Ulukbek Turdubekov said. ”We have learned how Japanese business associations develop, what services they provide to their members and how relationships between the private sector and the government are built. The program participants are now convinced that associations can achieve financial stability due to the competent corporate policy and effective public-private dialogue."