The State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources (SAGMR) of the Kyrgyz Republic is responsible for implementing mining policy, regulating geological exploration and licensing procedures, and conducting tenders and auctions. It is also responsible for informing local communities about policy changes and legal regulations. Despite the wide range of responsibilities, the agency lacked the capacity to effectively manage communication with stakeholders which led to conflicts between mining companies and local communities, slowed production rates, and decreased the sector attractiveness for the investors. Research conducted in eight districts of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2012 showed that many people have a negative attitude to mining companies.
Nuridin Erjigitov, an apple farmer in the Nookat rayon in the Osh province located in the South of the Kyrgyz Republic, faces a problem every autumn: he has more apples than he can sell at a good price. Thousands of other small-scale farmers in Nookat rayon, a major apple producer for the Kyrgyz market, also face this same challenge. They can choose to sell the apples when market prices are low due to high supply, or store the apples and sell later when supply is low and prices are high. Many small-scale farmers, however, sell when prices are low because they lack access to suitable storage facilities and knowledge of proper postharvest techniques.
Gulnaz Baiturova started her tailoring business «Inesse» in 2012. Her main customers are women and children and her main products are evening and casual dresses, blouses, skirts and pants. Despite her business being steady, Gulnaz felt that in order for her business to grow she needed a solid plan. She made a few attempts to develop a business plan by herself, but without much experience and guidance she failed to complete it. “I tried to write a business plan but only did so partially with the rest of the plan still in my mind, without a clear description…” says Gulnaz.
Many university students in the Kyrgyz Republic are unclear about their future career and have limited vision of where they want to work after graduation. Career orientation activities help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, find their career paths, and develop job-seeking skills. In addition, in today's ever-changing global economy the need to adapt and to follow the latest trends in one’s profession is crucial.
During the Kyrgyz Republic’s transition to a parliamentary democracy in 2010, the Provisional Government declared Kyrgyz Public Television and Radio (OTRK), the state-owned TV channel, a public service broadcaster. This began the process of reforming the national channel, long a mouthpiece of state policy, into an independent public institution. USAID, with Internews Network, supports OTRK in this long-term reform process. One of the biggest hurdles facing OTRK has been establishing a connection with its viewers nationwide, many of whom still perceive the channel to be dominated by the state. While television is often a one-way medium, the online space is better suited for engaging with viewers in a conversation. Younger people are increasingly turning online for news.
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.