The implementation of the State Programme for the Comprehensive Socioeconomic Development of the Regions of Kyrgyzstan until 2030 was the topic of a conference held in Bishkek on April 23. This document was developed with the assistance of the Effective Governance for Economic Development (EGED) programme, funded by the UK government and implemented by the Development Policy Institute. The development of the State Programme was preceded by extensive work on the introduction of new methods for planning and forecasting local development based on data and priorities of businesses and local communities.
Participants emphasized that with the support of the EGED Programme, thousands of state and municipal employees have learned new methods of forecasting planning, which allows them to develop effective socio-economic development programmes at the local level.
Representatives of local district administrations indicated that new methods introduced with the support of the EGED Programme improved forecasting of economic growth and improvement of the situation of vulnerable groups, strengthened the connection between aiyl okmotu, akimiats (state district administrations), business and the residents. An important role was played by District Coordination Councils, which became a mandatory platform for dialogue at the district level, according to new planning methods, uniting local self-government, business and communities for joint work.
Representatives of local district administrations indicated that new methods introduced with the support of the EGED Programme improved forecasting of economic growth and improvement of the situation of vulnerable groups, strengthened the connection between aiyl okmotu, akimiats (state district administrations), business and the residents. An important role was played by District Coordination Councils, which became a mandatory platform for dialogue at the district level, according to new planning methods, uniting local self-government, business and communities for joint work.
First Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Choro Seyitov noted that the State Programme will improve the management of regional development, help economic growth and improve the quality of life of citizens. He emphasized the effectiveness of the district coordination councils and the role of the EGED Programme in developing the document.
“Local governments around the world play a vital role in delivering public services to their citizens and driving the economy forward. The main similarity between our countries in the area of local government is the importance of decentralisation, because it strengthens local communities. The EGED Programme has been a great example of successful cooperation between our countries, when local government, business, civil society and the media were able to unite to achieve a common goal. Through EGED, we have supported the Kyrgyz Government to strengthen the use of data and evidence for more effective policies. We have done so by focusing on sub-national economic development and monetary policy. The former leveraged data to inform more targeted and inclusive socio-economic policies that empower local communities. This included using new standardized Socio-Economic Development Programme (SEDP) methodology for improved local planning and implementation,” said British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler.
The conference brought together over 100 representatives of ministries, local governments, experts, scientists and international partners. The event was organised by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce together with the Development Policy Institute within the framework of the EGED Programme with the support of the UK Government through FCDO.
