Bishkek (TDI): Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev has said that Kyrgyzstan is open to cooperation in digital finance, welcomes investment in the banking sector, and seeks to exchange expertise with global partners.
Speaking at the 11th Bishkek International Finance Forum (BIFF 2025), he said, “We are entering a new digital era where data processing technologies are reshaping not only finance but also governance and socio-economic growth. That’s why digitalization is a strategic priority for our government.”
Since 2023, Kyrgyzstan has pushed forward cashless payments using QR codes linked with bank cards, e-wallets, and mobile apps. Many citizens now use QR code payments routinely.
The government is also developing digital platforms to support small and medium businesses and expanding fintech infrastructure.
Kasymaliyev pointed out that the recently signed law introducing the digital som is a major milestone in Kyrgyzstan’s digital transformation journey.
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“This initiative will touch nearly every sector of our economy and marks an important step in building our national digital economy,” he said.
Representatives from the banking sector underlined the importance of forums like BIFF, not only to promote electronic finance but also to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
The forum serves as a valuable venue to share strategies against digital fraud.
Anna Kulashova from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab noted that while digital finance adoption grows, cyber threats also increase.
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“We are eager to share our expertise and develop partnerships in cybersecurity,” she said.
Visa’s Evgeny Lesnyak praised Kyrgyzstan’s rapid digitalization. “Kyrgyzstan is often a testing ground for new financial technologies. Contactless payments for public transport using Visa cards and QR codes have been available here for four years, a rare achievement even in developed countries. Your innovations are setting examples that other countries can learn from,” he remarked.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
