New Ideas for Rural Development

published: 24 January 2012

On January 21, 2012 Kyrgyz National University held an inter-university intellectual game «Daanyshman» dedicated to 80th anniversary of the University. The event was organized by the scientific community of the Institute of Integration of International Educational Programs (IIIEP)

The game objective was to increase knowledge and develop analytical skills of students in the economic sphere. Furthermore, future economists were asked to show their ability to find unconventional solutions to implement sustainable development projects with minimal cost.
In the course of the game, supported by the Company, participants were given a situational task: to offer ideas for projects to be implemented in a region, where «Kumtor Operating Company» leads its’ operational activity.

The game was attended by four teams:
– American University of Central Asia – «BA110»
– Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University – «Domino»
– University of Management and Design – «UMD»
– Kyrgyz-European faculty of IIIEP – «KEF Alliance»

The winners, the «KEF Alliance» team, presented the project on building fruit-processing plant on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, in an area favorable for the cultivation of apricots. Given the urgency of the problems of the energy sector in the country and the difficulties faced by rural residents in the cold season, the jury highlighted the project to implement the installation of biogas production in the villages, presented by AUCA students.

«Kumtor Operating Company» has a huge impact on the development of the Issyk-Kul region and supports social programs. Of course, we should not forget about the support of rural infrastructure. However, we ought to think about the development of economic potential, to invest in economically-independent enterprises and sustainable development projects. Today, students showed us their vision of development of the rural economy, and I think it’s great, because these guys – are the future of the country», – said Akylbek Dyushembiev, government relations and sustainable development projects manager.

Winners of the game have been certified for 50% discount on a PR course and have been commissioned to conduct a study, funded by the Center for Macroeconomic Perspective Developments under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Students of National University will also have an opportunity to attend business training in the Kyrgyz-Japan Center for Human Development. The most active participant, a member of the «KEF-Alliance» team, will complete a course in accounting, provided by «Jacobs-training».