The café "Bon Espresso," opened in Batken, has become a vivid example of the successful implementation of the "Mekenim 1+1" program, which aims to support labor migrants and their families wishing to invest money earned abroad into small businesses in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the Ministry of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic, Minister Kanat Sagynbaev visited this establishment and familiarized himself with the results of the program's work.
The "1+1" program provides grants for business development on the condition of equal investment from the migrant. These funds can be used in areas such as light industry, tourism, education, IT, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.
According to the ministry's information, currently, 59 migrants have already received grants and are actively developing small and medium-sized businesses. For example, Azatbek Zairbekov, the owner of the café "Bon Espresso," invested 500,000 soms and received a grant of 206,000 soms. His business generates about 9,000 soms daily.
Kanat Sagynbaev noted that the program contributes to job creation, strengthens the economy, and supports entrepreneurship. In the Batken region, 38 people are already participating in this project.
This pilot initiative is being implemented in accordance with the decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 4, adopted on January 29, 2021, "On measures to improve the migration situation," as well as within the framework of the Migration Policy Concept approved by the government resolution of the Kyrgyz Republic dated May 4, 2021, No. 191. The coordination is carried out by the Ministry of Labor, while the implementation on the ground is managed by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, with financial support provided by the International Organization for Migration.
