IBC Participates in the Meeting of the Statistics Council of the Kyrgyz Republic

On October 6, 2026, Askar Sydykov, Executive Director of the International Business Council (IBC), participated in the fifth meeting of the Statistics Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, where he serves as Deputy Chair.

The meeting was held with the Council's newly appointed composition, approved by Decree No. 328 of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated September 15, 2026. The Council is an advisory body on the strategic development of official statistics, bringing together representatives of government agencies, the business community, civil society, and academic and expert circles.

In his opening remarks, Askar Sydykov welcomed the new members of the Council and emphasized the importance of this platform in bringing together various stakeholders to improve the national statistical system and enhance the quality of evidence-based decision-making.

"In today's information-driven world, it is important not only to have accurate and timely data, but also to properly analyze, interpret, and use them in decision-making — both at the government level, including in the development of legal and regulatory acts, and in the private sector. The extensive work carried out by statistical authorities should ultimately contribute to improving the quality of decisions," Askar Sydykov noted.

He also acknowledged the significant progress made in recent years in reducing the reporting burden on respondents, simplifying data submission procedures, developing electronic reporting, and improving tools for collecting, processing, analyzing, and publishing statistical information.

During the discussion, Askar Sydykov proposed considering the introduction of regular assessments of the actual time respondents spend preparing and completing statistical reports, as well as monitoring changes in this indicator over time. Such a measurable indicator would allow for a more objective assessment of whether digitalization and improvements to the reporting system are effectively reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

It was also emphasized that reducing the reporting burden should go hand in hand with increasing the practical value of collected statistics through their more active use by government agencies, businesses, the expert community, and other stakeholders in drafting regulations and making management, investment, and other decisions.

The meeting reviewed the activities of the National Statistical Committee for the first nine months of 2026, the results of the agricultural census, progress in implementing the automated information system "IST", the findings of a pilot labor force survey, and the pilot study "Women's Well-being and Safety."

IBC reaffirmed its readiness to continue contributing to the improvement of the national statistical system and the work of the Statistics Council, particularly by representing the needs of businesses as both users of statistical data and respondents to statistical surveys.