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Development of Kyrgyzstan's export potential: Challenges and prospects of foreign trade

Nelli Akylbekova, Aiganysh Sayakbaeva, Xiaoyu Zhang, Hong Ji, Guangyu Du

Received 13.10.2025, Revised 28.02.2026, Accepted 31.03.2026

Abstract

In the context of increasing global economic integration, enhancing the export potential of Kyrgyzstan is of paramount importance for ensuring sustainable national development. The purpose of this study was to assess the current state and key constraints of the country’s export sector, with a focus on identifying strategic directions for its improvement. The research employed analytical, comparative, economic-statistical, systemic methods, expert evaluation, and SWOT analysis. The analysis revealed that Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade is characterised by low volumes, a negative trade balance, and a high dependence on gold exports, which limits economic diversification. The export structure is narrow, with limited product range and heavy reliance on a small number of trade partners, primarily Russia and Kazakhstan, although efforts are being made to explore new markets such as the United Kingdom. Key obstacles include weak industrial capacity, insufficient logistics infrastructure, and inadequate institutional support for small and medium-sized enterprise. However, significant opportunities exist in value-added processing, organic agriculture, and regional cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. Priority sectors with export potential include agriculture, textiles, mining, and services. The article also included an analysis comparing Kyrgyzstan's 2023-2024 export potential with that of various Central Asian counterparts. Based on the SWOT analysis, the study formulated recommendations aimed at diversifying exports, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding foreign economic relations. The practical significance of this research lies in its applicability for policymakers, export-oriented enterprises, and analysts in shaping strategies and policies to enhance the competitiveness of Kyrgyz exports and integrate effectively into the global economy

Keywords:

globalisation; SWOT analysis; Eurasian Economic Union; international cooperation; export diversification; sustainable development; competitiveness

Retrieved from Vol. 2 No. 1. 2026

Pages 8-22

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Suggested citation

Akylbekova, N., Sayakbaeva, A., Zhang, X., Ji, H., & Du, G. (2026). Development of Kyrgyzstan's export potential: Challenges and prospects of foreign trade. Comparative Economics, 2(1), 8-22.