Ensuring Kyrgyzstan's energy security, top priority of government
By Aynur Jafarova
Today ensuring Kyrgyzstan's energy security is one of the top priorities of the government.
This remark was made by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbayev at a meeting with Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Operations Wencai Zhang, local media reported on September 17.
"We need to reform the energy sector, in particular the urgent rehabilitation of production objects and electricity transmission is needed," Otorbayev said. "We know that ADB has successful experience in Georgia and Azerbaijan in assisting in the management of the energy sectors and increasing its efficiency."
He also drew attention to the reform of the management of state property and private sector financing at preferential rates, and said Kyrgyzstan is implementing National Strategy on the country's sustainable development for 2013-2017 and welcomes ADB's intention to support the country in energy sphere within the Partnership Strategy.
Wencai Zhang, for his part, noted ADB hopes that it will help to effectively implement priority programs, increase macroeconomic stability of the country, increase competitiveness and economic diversification.
"We appreciate our partnership and we will use every opportunity to support the strategic priority directions of the country's development," Wencai Zhang said.
ADB began its operations in Kyrgyzstan in 1994. The Kyrgyzstan Resident Mission was established in 2000.
Kyrgyzstan's National Sustainable Development Strategy for 2013-2017 aims to build a stable society and improve people's living standards through stable economic growth, an enabling business environment, and improved rule of law.
ADB's country partnership strategy for 2013-2017 helps the government address key constraints to economic growth, improve the investment climate, and reduce disparities in access to economic opportunities.