Journey through Central Asia: JICA President Visits Kyrgyzstan for the First Time!

President of JICA, Dr. Akihito Tanaka, arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the first time from September 4th to 6th, 2023. President Tanaka is in Kyrgyzstan on his working visit to exchange views on how to foster bilateral ties further, as well as to directly see the country and immerse himself in the atmosphere of hospitality and kindness.

On September 4th, President JICA Tanaka visited the villages of Kara-Shaar and Shorbulak in the Issyk-Kul region. Producers of the "One Village One Product" (OVOP) showcased the technology of felt products manufacturing and shared their working experiences with OVOP. Today, OVOP holds the status of a national project and represents a modern business style that harmoniously combines creativity, the promotion of local natural products, and sustainable profit. President JICA acknowledged the significant potential of the OVOP movement and expressed hope for its further prosperity.

Additionally, he visited the Chui region, specifically the Ak-Beshim archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ak-Beshim archaeological site is a key location for the implementation of JICA project focusing on regional development and tourism promotion through the use of World Heritage sites in the Chui region. President Tanaka confirmed the potential of this site for tourism promotion and job creation. Furthermore, the President was briefed on the project's role in the context of regional tourism development in Central Asia.