KYRGYZSTAN NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENTIAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 001286 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN; S/P FOR G.BEHRMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON PREL EAID SOCI KG SUBJECT: KYRGYZSTAN NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT REF: STATE 112468 ¶1. Below are Embassy Bishkek's nominees to the Presidential Entrepreneurship Summit (reftel) and proposed public diplomacy activities related to the summit. While some of the nominees come from relatively large companies (for Kyrgyzstan's market),others are from small companies and NGOs and these nominees would require financial assistance in order to participate in the Summit. The majority of the nominees have only limited or no English knowledge. Entrepreneurship Summit nominees: -------------- - Abakirov, Asis, CEO Unique Technologies. Abakirov is the head of a small software and IT company founded in Kyrgyzstan in 2003. The company has 25 employees and designs software, internet sites, and mobile phone applications. This is one of the few local Kyrgyz companies working in the IT field. He speaks very limited English. - Asanov, Saparbek, Director of the Association of Light Industry Enterprises of Kyrgyz Republic. This association is active in promoting light industry, primarily textile companies. Asanov has a good understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs in the are of textiles and light industry and has been a strong advocate for these businesses. He speaks limited English. - Ashgar, Ovace Saeed, General Manager Express Air. Asghar's company is the Carlson Wagonlit Travel representative in Kyrgyzstan and provides high quality travel services. In addition, Asghar opened a chain of franchise "Dollar Store" locations in Bishkek. He has demonstrated entrepreneurial experience and a knowledge of Western business practices. He speaks English well. - Chochunbaeva, Dinara, Director Central Asian Crafts Support Association Research Center. Chochunbaeva was president of the Central Asian Crafts Support Association from 2000 to ¶2008. She works with crafts designers and makers in Central Asia and Afghanistan, coordinates publications on traditional crafts, and promotes the crafts of Central Asia at international festivals and fairs. She speaks English well. - Imanaliev, Daniyar, Executive Director Imarat Stroy. Imanaliev's company is a relatively small construction company, but he has demonstrated an entrepreneurial drive to expand his family business. For example, his company learned the intricacies of USG military contracting in order to successfully compete for construction projects at the U.S.-operated Transit Center at the Manas International Airport. He speaks limited English. - Jeenbaeva, Baktygul, Chair of the Board Commercial Bank of Kyrgyzstan. With more than 15 years of banking experience, Jeenbaeva has extensive experience with the financing of Kyrgyz business and has demonstrated her own entrepreneurial skills. She speaks some English. - Karpovich, Stanislov, Deputy Managing Director FNT Consultants. Karpovich is both an entrepreneur, having helped develop the company he works for, and assists other entrepreneurs. FNT Consultants has assisted private firms in Kyrgyzstan and the region to develop their businesses. He also has developed an additional entrepreneurial activity, he imports cars from the U.S. for sale in Kyrgyzstan. He speaks excellent English. - Kydraliev, Usen, Executive Director Entrepreneurs' Union of Kyrgyzstan. Kydraliev heads the largest association (over 10,000 members) promoting entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan. He speaks limited English. - Kyrdyrbaev, Uluk, Executive Director Bishkek Business Club. Under Kyrdyrbaev's leadership, one of the focuses of this business association has been developing entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan For example, the Bishkek Business Club implemented a project to provide training in entrepreneurship to rural youth. Kyrdyrbaev speaks some English. - Umetaliyev, Emil, President Kyrgyz Concept. Umetaliyev has developed his company into the premier tourist service company in Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurial skills and drive. He speaks some English. Public Affairs Strategy -------------- BISHKEK 00001286 002 OF 002 ¶3. The proposed public diplomacy activities related to the Presidential Entrepreneurship Summit will include organization of a roundtable event before the summit at the American Center in Bishkek to discuss entrepreneurship and solicit input related to the summit and promoting entrepreneurship. This event will be promoted widely, including on the Embassy website and Facebook page. Following the summit, the Embassy will organize a press conference for the entrepreneurs who attended the summit to talk about the event and what they learned from their participation. The entrepreneurs will also be asked to speak to business students at local universities and to present at the yearly conference of public affairs programs alumni in the spring. GFOELLER