Products sold in Bishkek tend to be marketed in Russian and Kyrgyz. There is a mandatory requirement for all advertisements to be in the Kyrgyz language. Due to the widespread use of the Russian language, however, companies usually advertise in both languages.
Trade Promotion & Advertising
A full range of advertising opportunities is available via print media, radio, television, billboards, promotional goods and sponsorship of events. Several local agencies can handle advertising campaigns.
Taxation
The Kyrgyz Republic’s VAT is currently 12 percent. There is also a sales tax of 1 percent for trade activity and 2 percent for all other business. For companies that are not obligated to pay VAT, sales taxes are a bit higher – 2 percent for trade activity, and 3 percent for all other business. Leasing companies are exempt from VAT and sales tax, and receive a preferential income tax rate of 5 percent. Depending on economic conditions and increased demand, the government may temporarily cancel VAT for certain products. Since 2022, foreign companies providing digital services without using a domain name or IP address registered in the Kyrgyz Republic must pay VAT on income from their services. According to the State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic 42 companies (including streaming services, software developers and others) have registered online as tax payers (vat.salyk.kg), though data through 2022 shows few have begun submitting taxes to the Kyrgyz budget.
Sales Service/Customer Support
Consistent, friendly customer service is still a relatively rare phenomenon in the Kyrgyz Republic, but the service in Bishkek is improving. Any firm offering reliable customer and after-sales service stands to benefit in the local marketplace.
Local Professional Services
Firms providing professional services include:
Grant Thornton
Mr. Armen Vanyan, Managing Partner
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, 5th floor
Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 97 94 90
Ernst & Young Audit LLC
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, Offices 309-310
Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
https://www.ey.com/en_gl/locations/kyrgyz-republic
Phone: +996 (312) 90 70 90 (Bishkek Office)
PricewaterhouseCoopers Bishkek LLP
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, Tower B, Office 404
Bishkek,
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (555) 51 52 34
KPMG
Office 201, 21 Erkindik Blvd
Bishkek 720040
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 62 33 80
E-mail: kpmg@kpmg.kg
https://home.kpmg/kz/ru/home/about/offices/bishkek-1.html
For a list of legal services providers, please see the U.S. Embassy website:
https://kg.usembassy.gov/services/
Principal Business Associations
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the International Business Council (IBC), and the JIA Business Association are leading organizations that represent hundreds of international and local companies from diverse industries. All associations are members of different platforms that assist with business and government dialogues, including the Investment Council under the Government and the Business Council under the Parliament. AmCham and IBC accept U.S. companies as members. For more information, please visit https://www.amcham.kg/ and https://www.ibc.kg/en/.
Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services
There are no restrictions on selling U.S. products, though all products must conform to Kyrgyz and EAEU standards and regulations.