On February 5, 2026, the International Business Council (IBC) organized a business breakfast as part of the two-day B5+1 business forum, which brought together business representatives from five Central Asian countries, government agencies, a US delegation, international companies, financial institutions, and experts in Bishkek.

The IBC business breakfast focused on developing the critical minerals sector, improving the business environment in Central Asia, and expanding cooperation between the U.S. and regional business communities. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and the business community. Participants included representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, local and international mining companies, law firms, and consulting firms, as well as delegates from the B5+1 Forum.

Addressing the participants, IBC Executive Director Askar Sydykov emphasized the strategic importance of critical minerals for the global energy transition, digital technologies, and the defense and aerospace industries, and noted the growing potential of the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia as reliable partners in international supply chains.

During the event, information on critical minerals was presented, including the Critical Minerals Sector Development Program until 2030, approved by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. Particular attention was paid to issues of subsoil use licensing, digitalization of procedures, implementation of international reporting standards, and increasing industry transparency.

The Kyrgyz Republic possesses significant mineral resource potential. According to the state register, the country contains over 1,020 mineral deposits and occurrences, encompassing 51 types of mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, antimony, tungsten, and rare earth elements. As part of the comprehensive assessment, a list of 22 critical minerals with confirmed or prospective resources was compiled. As part of the comprehensive assessment, a list of 22 critical minerals with confirmed or prospective resources was compiled.

As of September 2025, 2,005 subsoil use licenses had been issued in Kyrgyzstan, 103 of which were held by state-owned enterprises with 100% state participation. Since 2025, 26 auctions for subsoil use rights have been held, resulting in the sale of assets worth approximately $1.6 million.

During the business breakfast, special attention was paid to investment dynamics in the mining sector. From January to September 2025, foreign direct investment in mining amounted to USD 190.3 million, or 21.5% of total foreign direct investment in the country's economy. Compared to the same period last year, investment in the mining sector has more than doubled (203.5%), confirming the high level of investor interest in the industry.

A significant part of the business breakfast was a Q&A session, during which participants discussed the practical aspects of implementing mining projects, investment risks and opportunities, and prospects for international cooperation in the field of critical minerals. The event concluded with an informal networking session, during which participants continued their professional dialogue and established new business contacts.

The International Business Council continues to serve as a platform for constructive dialogue between government, business, and international partners, promoting a favorable investment climate and sustainable development in key sectors of the Kyrgyz Republic's economy.