The electricity sector in the Kyrgyz Republic faces challenges that have become more acute in recent years, driven by energy deficit due to insufficient generation, especially in winters. The total losses in the sector are about 20 percent of net generation, more than twice as high as commercial and technical losses in high- and some middle-income countries. About half of generation capacity and up to 70 percent of distribution assets are beyond their useful lives, leading to equipment failures and overloading across the country.  Moreover, the Kyrgyz Republic has one of the lowest electricity tariff rates in the world. The sector is heavily indebted, with cumulative debt of above KGS 137 billion (equivalent to over $1.5 billion) or around 20 percent of the GDP, placing a heavy fiscal burden on the country.

"Together we can implement anti-crisis measures to stabilize the economy and minimize economic risks for Kyrgyzstan", said Minister of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic Almaz Baketaev. 

The project, with combined investments of $58 million, will finance urgently needed investments in four main areas: 1) rehabilitation and upgrade of distribution networks; 2) digitalization of distribution networks; 3) strengthening of social protection systems; and 4) institutional development to help design and implement priority energy sector reforms.

"Due to the cold weather, the Kyrgyz Republic has reached a historical peak of electricity consumption, and the energy sector professionals are working hard to pass through this winter season. There is an urgent need for the energy sector to modernize, grow sustainably and become an engine for the country’s green growth," said Naveed Hassan Naqvi, World Bank’s Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic. "The World Bank fully supports the comprehensive vision for the energy sector and reform roadmap over the next decade that have been developed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic."

Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic Olivier Bangerter noted that the new project will help to improve the financial performance, ensure a reliable electricity supply for the people and businesses, and create a supportive social protection mechanism to the vulnerable groups. "The project’s aim is to strengthen energy security of the Kyrgyz Republic; it will also lead to better use of water resources, something essential because of the consequences of climate change for the country. We hope that with investments in people, procedures and infrastructure, this project will contribute to a more reliable energy supply."

The Electricity Sector Modernization and Sustainability Project will be implemented through 2028 and will comply with strict international standards including procurement and financial management regulations and anti-corruption guidelines. 

The "Francophonie Week" is the festival of the French language and cultures of the French-speaking countries, which is celebrated in the middle of March across the world. The organizers and partners have prepared a program for the broad public, which consists of 20 events. This year the topic is travelling. 

French is the fifth language spoken in the world, the third language for business, used by more than 300 million people on five continents, and also is known as the language of diplomacy. 88 countries are members of the International Organization of Francophonie, in 29 of which French is the official language.

The Francophonie Week will be launched on March 9 with a public screening of the French documentary film "The Snow Leopard" starting at 18:30 in Ala-Too Cinema (free entry).  

The Swiss documentary film "Ella Maillart's Extraordinary Journey" will be presented on March 17 at 18:00 at the National Historical Museum (203 Chui Ave.). The first part of the film describes the trip of Ella Maillart in the 1920 in Kyrgyzstan, cruising on the Issyk-Kul lake and then travelling by horse to the Tian Shan mountains and the Chinese border. 100 years later, François Perraudin, a Swiss photographer and movie maker, takes a similar approach describing what has changed or not in Kyrgyzstan, from the lake of Kol-Suu in the south east to the bears Isabelle in the Besh Tash natural reserve, over the rice milling in Uzgen and the petroglyphs of Saimaluu Tash. The movie gives insight in the Kyrgyz daily life as well as in the wildlife from the whole country. 

After the Swiss film a photo exhibition of Ella Maillart's journey through Kyrgyzstan will be presented (Free entry).

Screening of the Canadian film will be held on March 13 at 18:00, the Belgian film – March 14 at 18:00 at the Academy of Tourism (address: 99 Shabdan Baatyra street). Free entry.