BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 12. The Kyrgyzstan has
one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the region,
creating significant potential for economic growth.
This was announced in a report published by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF).
"The Kyrgyz Republic has a young and growing population, with
one of the highest shares of youth in the region," the IMF said in
its report.
According to the Fund, the country's demographic profile
presents important opportunities for economic expansion. However,
most new entrants to the labor market continue to find employment
in the informal sector.
The IMF noted that the informal economy employs about 65 percent
of the workforce and accounts for an estimated 19 percent of GDP,
with informal activity concentrated mainly in trade, construction,
and services.
Citing the World Bank, the report added that around 50,000
people enter Kyrgyzstan's labor market each year.
In an exclusive interview with Trend, the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) approved its new Strategic and Capital Framework
(SCF) for 2026–2030, outlining key priorities for the Bank’s
activities in Central Asia and other regions.
According to Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD Managing Director for Central
Asia and Mongolia, the framework is focused on three main areas:
accelerating the green transition, strengthening economic
governance, and developing human capital while promoting equal
opportunities.
He noted that these priorities serve as the main guidelines for
the EBRD’s operations in Central Asia. The Bank also develops
individual country strategies for each state in the region in close
cooperation with national authorities, with a focus on
strengthening private sector competitiveness, creating jobs,
improving skills, promoting inclusion, and supporting digital
transformation.
