New Publication: Understanding informal economy in Kyrgyzstan

On the 18^th of June, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Kyrgyzstan organised a round table to present the results of the desk study titled "Understanding Informal Economy in Kyrgyzstan". Dr. Kanat Tilekeev, a senior research fellow of the Institute of Public Administration and Policy at the University of Central Asia, conducted the study.

The round table was attended by representatives of the Embassies of Germany and Switzerland, international organizations, such as ILO and GIZ, trade unions of construction workers, mining and metallurgy industry, Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, International Business Council, JIA Association, as well as independent experts in the fields of economy and employment.

According to the study, estimates of the informal economy vary from 25 to 50% of the national economy in recent years. It erodes the sustainability of economic growth in the country. 71.8% of workers in the country work in the informal labor market, with trades and services and constructions representing the economic sectors with the highest informality of workers. The desk study identifies major problems caused by high share of the informal economy and suggests policy recommendations for measures to reduce the share of the informal economy and to support the development of a more sustainable and inclusive economic model.

The participants of the round table actively participated in the discussion, pointed out the high importance of the issue, expressed their views and suggestions on the informal economy and informal employment, and expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the high-quality study.