Kumtor Operating Company and “One village – one product” Association announce a launch of a joint project

published: 13 June 2012

Community empowerment project in the southern part of Issyk-Kul was launched in Jety-Oguz and Ton districts of Issyk-Kul region with the financial support of Kumtor Operating Company. The project will be implemented by “One village – one product” Association.

On June 5, 2012 for the realization of the project the Company transferred the first tranche of $128,600. According to the memorandum signed by the parties in April, 2012, the same amount will be transferred to the Association in fall.

The aim of the project is to combine the efforts of private entrepreneurs and local communities to develop the economic potential of the Issyk-Kul region, through the production of goods from existing local resources. A key principle of the “One Village – One Product” is that the villagers themselves decide what product they are willing to produce. The project will cover 20 villages and about 30 local communities – members of the OVOP Association, and will last until the end of March 2013.

The educational trainings are not the only aspect of the OVOP project. Program participants are also given the opportunity to exhibit their products at Karakol Research Shop, where, according to sales figures, participants will learn the basics needed for marketing and business.

For information:

“One Village – One Product” Association – was created under the initiative of producers from Issyk-Kul region with the aim of regional development within the “One Village – One Product” project, which was implemented by Issyk-Kul Regional State Administration. Any interested person or the community may join the Association. Members of the OVOP Association produce goods using local resources.

Karakol Research Sshop (KRS) – is not only a place of promotion of locally produced goods of OVOP project members, but also a place of learning and research for rural producers or other interested persons who wish to learn more about the establishment or development of community-based business.