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Reforms in Kyrgyzstan's mining sector discussed with EITI management

IBC
December 12, 2024

On December 12, 2024, a meeting of subsoil users with Helen Clark, Board Chair of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and Mark Robinson, Executive Director of the EITI Secretariat, took place at the International Business Council.

The meeting participants discussed ongoing reforms in the mining sector of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as prospects for the development of the industry. The meeting took place as part of Helen Clark's visit to Kyrgyzstan to develop a dialogue on how the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative can help advance the country's national priorities in the field of extractive sector governance.

The meeting reviewed progress in implementing the Initiative, which the Kyrgyz Republic joined in 2004. By becoming a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, countries commit to disclose information along the extractive industry value chain – from how extraction rights are awarded, to how revenues make their way through government and how they benefit the public. Through participation in the EITI, countries agreed to a common set of rules governing what has to be disclosed and when – the EITI Standard.

In 2011, Kyrgyzstan, having successfully completed all EITI indicators, passed the EITI validation (assessment of implementation progress), and on March 1, 2011, the EITI Board awarded Kyrgyzstan the status of an EITI follower country.

In 2012, a new version of the Law "On Subsoil" was signed, in which for the first time in the country's history, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative was designated as a separate clause.

IBC Executive Director Askar Sydykov and other participants of the meeting informed about the current state and development prospects of the mining industry, and also voiced proposals for improving the investment climate in this area, increasing the efficiency of using mining resources and implementing the EITI in Kyrgyzstan.

“When preparing reports as part of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, it is necessary to use existing reports from subsoil users in the relevant government agencies, without imposing additional obligations on the companies,” IBC head said.

He thanked the EITI leadership for facilitating the development of the industry and the visit at such a high level.

"The private sector welcomes the principles of transparency, increasing the efficiency of the use of mining resources and improving the subsoil management system for sustainable development. For its part, IBC is making efforts to implement the goals and objectives of the EITI in Kyrgyzstan,” Sydykov said on behalf of the country's mining community.

Helen Clark served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999-2008, and as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1981-2009. Prior to that she taught in the Political Studies Department of Auckland University, New Zealand. From April 2009 until April 2017, Ms. Clark was Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Chair of the UN Development Group. She continues to be highly engaged in issues across the sustainable development spectrum from gender equality and women’s leadership to climate action, health and drug policy, open government, peace and justice, and more.