The Issyk-Kul Forum identified challenges in the practical integration of the EAEU
Changing investment balance in the region. On August 5, 2026, an off-site session of the — Primakov Readings— was held in Issyk-Kul as part of the VIII Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum.
Analysts have documented the rapid growth of regional development drivers. Talas Oblast is attracting capital through the development of the Jerooy gold deposit. Issyk-Kul Oblast is expanding its position through its recreational complex and infrastructure projects involving China and Kazakhstan. Gazprom has already invested half a billion dollars in the gasification of Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the joint Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund remains a unique institutional instrument for direct financing in the post-Soviet space.
— In terms of the breadth, volume of investment, and multiplier effect on the economy, we truly don't have joint bilateral projects like those between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, — stated Stanislav Pritchin, PhD in political science. — Kyrgyzstan is interesting and self-sufficient not as an instrument of geopolitical struggle, but as our important neighbor.
Consequently, bilateral cooperation relies on a single regulatory market and the alignment of technical regulations.
Reasons for the Loss of Technological Lead
According to expert analysis, the positive dynamics mask the disruption of strategic projects. The original plan for Russian Railways to participate in the construction of the China-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan railway remains unfulfilled. Meanwhile, the implementation of the Kambarata-1 HPP and Upper Naryn Cascade hydroelectric projects is being delayed. Changes in the configuration of participants leads to a dilution of responsibility and delays in the commissioning of facilities. Interstate agreements require strict financial detailing. Hidden competition between Union members hinders technology transfer.
Factors hindering commercial initiatives
Meanwhile, industrial enterprises are facing an acute shortage of qualified personnel. Investors are forced to fund the training of engineers and metallurgists abroad.
— Even the experience of Alliance Altyn (a gold mining company – editor's note) shows that the company was forced to organize personnel training abroad itself, — noted Stanislav Pritchin. — This is a very serious issue; we need to strengthen cooperation in education and technological training, first and foremost.
In addition to the direct increase in the cost of launching production, businesses incur costs due to the lack of secondary vocational schools. The shortage of specialists limits the influx of capital into processing industries. To compound the problem, an Uzbek project to train a million programmers is siphoning off technological investments from the region. The limited capacity of the Kyrgyz market requires the country to quickly transform into a logistics hub.
Institutional fragmentation of educational systems
The regulatory vacuum manifests itself in the isolation of national reforms from EAEU standards. The ongoing educational reform to transition to a 12-year education system ignores the agreed upon framework of the Union.
— The Eurasian Economic Union factor and the fact that we have unified educational and technological standards are essentially absent, — emphasized Stanislav Pritchin. — Kyrgyzstan is independently building its educational system outside the framework of cooperation with partners.
According to expert assessments, the country's doctrinal documents lack specific detail by industry. Businesses do not receive clear guidelines for the introduction of new capacities. In turn, the absence of a high-status business ombudsman institution reduces the level of legal protection for companies.
Protection Tools and Cluster Solutions
A solution to the current situation requires the launch of comprehensive industrial and educational roadmaps. The parties must quickly bring entrepreneurs together through industrial chambers to fill empty niches.
— We need to create educational and engineering hubs that would allow Kyrgyzstan to improve its educational and technological attractiveness, — concluded Stanislav Pritchin. — It's important for Russian businesses that specialists be trained according to common standards.
According to expert recommendations, opening branches of technological universities will ensure personnel sovereignty. The creation of joint security institutions will minimize risks until 2030.—
Text adapted by AI. Should it lack clarity, read the original RU-ver.
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