On 22–23 May 2025, a high-level regional meeting is taking place in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, dedicated to advancing Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) and the circular economy (CE) in Central Asian countries. The event is organized with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component (PSC), and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The meeting brings together parliamentarians, government representatives, international organizations, business leaders, and experts to discuss strategic approaches to transitioning the region toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient development model. Special focus is placed on legislative initiatives, inter-parliamentary dialogue, and practical tools to support CE in sectors such as construction, food industry, and tourism.
The opening session featured members of the Jogorku Kenesh (the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic), officials from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the leadership of the EU Delegation. Key speakers include: Dr. Zinaida Fadeeva, SWITCH-Asia; Dr. René Van Berkel, Senior CE Expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC; Arab Hoballah, Senior SCP Expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC; Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director, CAREC.
Throughout the intensive program, participants are addressing:
- The role of the circular economy in achieving net-zero targets and green growth;
- Best international and regional practices;
- Initiatives aimed at harmonizing legislation and expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation;
- Technical assistance opportunities from international partners for countries in the region.
The agenda also includes group sessions with national delegations to identify priority steps for integrating CE into national strategies and policies.
“Circular economy is not merely an environmental concept; it is a systemic approach to development that can ensure economic resilience, innovation, and an improved quality of life for the citizens of our countries,” emphasized Zafar Makhmudov, CAREC Executive Director.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to serve as a launching point for establishing a permanent platform for parliamentary dialogue on CE in Central Asia and provide momentum for the preparation of a new phase of the SWITCH-Asia initiative in the region.
It is worth noting that over the past four years, CAREC has implemented the “Resource Efficiency in Agri-food Production and Processing” (REAP) project, funded by the European Union under the SWITCH-Asia Programme. The project engaged over 500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, promoting sustainable consumption and production practices and facilitating the transition to a green and circular economy. The REAP project resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption, waste, and water use.
“Based on CAREC’s observations, and considering the rapidly developing nature of the region’s economies, the circular economy holds tremendous potential for sustainable development in Central Asia. Today and tomorrow, we will be discussing the importance and benefits of this transition. However, realizing this potential requires the mainstreaming of circular economy approaches at all levels—from local communities and businesses to legislative and institutional frameworks. That is why CAREC believes that engaging parliamentarians in the development and adoption of CE-supportive legislation is crucial. Establishing dialogue between the parliaments of Central Asian countries could form the basis for legislative harmonization, which in turn would ease doing business for citizens across the region, lower legal barriers, and foster a more integrated and sustainable economic space,” highlighted Zafar Makhmudov during the meeting.
