Products sold in Bishkek tend to be marketed in Russian and Kyrgyz. There is a mandatory requirement for all advertisements to be in the Kyrgyz language. Due to the widespread use of the Russian language, however, companies usually advertise in both languages.
Trade Promotion & Advertising
A full range of advertising opportunities is available via print media, radio, television, billboards, promotional goods and sponsorship of events. Several local agencies can handle advertising campaigns.
Pricing
The Kyrgyz Republic’s VAT is currently 12%. There is also a sales tax of 1% for trade activity and 2% for all other businesses. For companies that are not obligated to pay VAT, sales taxes are a bit higher – 2% for trade activity and 3% for all other businesses. There is no sales tax for non-cash transactions. Leasing companies are exempt from VAT and sales tax, and receive a preferential income tax rate of 5%. Depending on economic conditions and increased demand, the government may temporarily cancel VAT for certain products.
Sales Service/Customer Support
Consistent, friendly customer service is still a relatively rare phenomenon in the Kyrgyz Republic, but the service in Bishkek is improving. Any firm offering reliable customer and after-sales service stands to benefit in the local marketplace.
Local Professional Services
Firms providing professional services include:
Kalikova & Associates
Ms. Aicholpon Alieva (Jorupbekova), Director
1A, Igemberdiev str.
Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 66 60 60
Fax: +996 (312) 66 27 88
Email: lawyer@k-a.kg, ajorupbekova@k-a.kg
Web: www.k-a.kg
Grant Thornton
Mr. Armen Vanyan, Managing Partner
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, 5th floor
Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 97 94 90
Ernst & Young Audit LLC
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, Offices 309-310
Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
https://www.ey.com/en_gl/locations/kyrgyz-republic
Phone: +996 (312) 90 70 90 (Bishkek Office)
PricewaterhouseCoopers Bishkek LLP
125/1, Toktogul str. Avangard Business Center, Tower B, Office 404
Bishkek,
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (555) 51 52 34
Deloitte & Touche
Business Centre «Russia»
19, Razzakov Street
Office 905/906
Bishkek 720040
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 39 82 88
Fax: +996 (312) 39 82 89
Email: bishkek@deloitte.kg
https://www2.deloitte.com/kz/en/pages/kyrgyzstan/topics/kyrgyzstan.html
KPMG
Mr. Gregor Mowat, Managing Director
Office 201, 21 Erkindik Blvd
Bishkek 720040
Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 (312) 62 33 80
E-mail: kpmg@kpmg.kg
https://home.kpmg/kz/ru/home/about/offices/bishkek-1.html
Principal Business Associations
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the International Business Council (IBC), and the JIA Business Association are leading organizations that represent hundreds of international and local companies from diverse industries. All associations are members of different platforms that assist with business and government dialogues, including the Investment Council under the Government and the Business Council under the Parliament. AmCham and IBC accept U.S. companies as members. For more information, please visit https://www.amcham.kg/ and www.ibc.kg .
Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services
There are no restrictions on selling U.S. products, though all products must conform to Kyrgyz and EAEU standards and regulations.