Who would have thought that an ordinary pack of dried apricots, accidentally found on a supermarket shelf in the US, would go viral on social networks and open new horizons for Kyrgyz producers? This is exactly what happened to the Altyn Aimak company, whose products are now known far beyond the borders of our country.

To help companies like Altyn Aimak and support the development of agricultural exports in general, UNDP, in collaboration with Erkin Consult LLC, supports producers of dried fruits, dried berries and nuts in the Batken, Jalal-Abad and Issyk-Kul provinces. The main goal is to improve value chains and increase the competitiveness of target products and companies from Kyrgyzstan in international markets.

Challenges and Opportunities 

Makhamadimin Anarbaev, expert of Erkin Consult LLC, noted that dried fruits, dried berries, and nuts from Kyrgyzstan are famous for their natural taste, however, to compete in the global market successfully, local producers need to overcome a number of challenges:

• Lack of certification for orchards and production: Many farmers and processing companies do not have the necessary certifications, significantly reducing the export potential of target products.
• Low product quality: Failure to meet production and product standards, limited knowledge of market requirements.
• Limited capacity: Lack of information about new markets and modern sales methods.

“Production facilities, homemade and outdated equipment, and low production volumes are just some of the problems our producers face,” says Anarbaev. He also emphasized the need to train companies exporting target products in online trading and export process management.

Focusing on development and sustainability

Following an open competition, seven export-oriented companies were selected to participate in the project. The selection criteria included high development potential and significant production indicators. After assessing the needs of producers of target products, the project will provide them with the necessary support, including training, individual expert advice, improvement of production infrastructure, and assistance in entering new markets. 

“We strive to expand the economic opportunities of producers, introduce innovations and modernize technologies for the production of target products with high added value,” says Aisuluu Mambetkazieva, Aid for Trade in Central Asia project coordinator in UNDP Kyrgyzstan.

Positive Prospects 

The project is expected to create at least 100 new jobs, at least half of which will be provided to women. More than 120 farmers and specialists in processing enterprises will receive the necessary knowledge and skills. Particular attention is paid to issues of gender equality, participation of people with disabilities and environmental sustainability. 

The initiative is funded by the Government of Finland and is implemented within the framework of the UNDP Aid for Trade in Central Asia project. This initiative is an important step towards strengthening economic growth and sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan, providing local producers with the opportunity to enter new international markets and improve the quality of their products.