Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – On November 5, 2018, representatives of 50 municipalities from Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn and Osh regions will convene in Bishkek for the fourth Forum of Aimaks, organized with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Local leaders, state officials, representatives of businesses and international organizations will discuss opportunities for local economic development. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 16:30 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency Hotel (191 Abdrahmanov st).

In the last two years, the Forum has become a platform for municipalities to exchange experience and best practices in local development. The forum will focus on increasing municipal budgets via improved local tax administration, improving municipal service delivery, and strengthening management practices for self-governments. More than 170 participants are expected to attend the event, including the U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Donald Lu, and First Deputy Head of the Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almaz Kenenbaev.

The Forum of Aimaks is one of several USAID activities contributing to President Jeenbekov’s “Year of Regional Development” initiative to promote social and economic development in the regions.

The event is organized under the USAID Community and Municipal Governance Initiative, a $9.5 million five-year project aimed at strengthening municipalities and increasing citizens’ trust in local self-governments. Currently, the project partners with 50 municipalities in Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Osh, helping them to improve services at the local level such as water supply, waste management, agriculture, and other priority areas for local economic development.

Please contact Zhyldyz Niiazalieva, Communications Manager of USAID Community and Municipal Governance Initiative, for further information: zhyldyz_niiazalieva@dai.com, tel.: +(996) 312 586 358, +(996) 770 777 127.