Bishkek, Jan. 10 (BNA): President of Kyrgyzstan Sadir Zabrov proposed replacing the country’s foreign debt to implement green initiatives.
“We can all see how smog has become one of the most pressing problems in our country in recent years,” he said.
“Smog is especially strong in the fall and winter periods, because the use of coal for heating plays an important role in this. Undoubtedly, solving this problem requires a comprehensive approach. In my first year as president, I have identified environmental and green economy issues as one of the top priorities of state policy,” Zharov posted on the social networks of partner countries and international financial development institutions.
“Kyrgyzstan is a country rich in water resources. It is sad to note that we were not able to build new hydroelectric power plants during the years of independence and had to import electricity in winter, being in the upper reaches of water resources,” he said.
“For the past 30 years we have been using coal, fuel oil and energy from previously built hydroelectric power plants. Right now we are only using about 10% of our hydropower potential.”
Kyrgyzstan has now begun to actively build small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations across the country, and appropriate regulations have been adopted to provide preferences for investors.
The largest construction project, Kambar-Ata HPP-1, the future flagship of the national energy sector, has been launched.
With the implementation of these projects, Zhabarov said, Kyrgyzstan can really be called an energy independent country that will export electricity to foreign countries.
“Maybe if more attention had been paid to this issue in previous years, the smog problem would not be so severe today. We could have used more electricity for heating in the fall and winter,” he said.
“Now we are deeply committed to the development of the green economy, and the whole modern world pays special attention to this. That is why I have instructed us to start actively exchanging the country’s foreign debt for green initiatives.”
According to Zhaparov, Kyrgyzstan’s external debt is currently about $4.2 billion.
“Of course, we are and will be in full compliance with all our obligations to repay foreign debts, and we have every opportunity to do so. We are just taking the initiative to develop the green economy and jointly contribute to improving the environmental situation in the world,” he said.
“It would be good if the funds allocated to repaying foreign debts were used to support green initiatives. We are not saying that these projects should be funded only by donors and partners. We are also ready to invest on our part and implement these projects.”
He added that for many years, the green economy has been discussed at different levels, but unfortunately, in most cases, it is all in theory.
“We want to move from words to deeds, together we can change this. It is no secret that we are far behind other countries in terms of green economy. We want to correct this as soon as possible. We are sure that these initiatives will be supported by donor countries and development partners.”
Currently, 50 small and medium hydroelectric power stations are being built in Kyrgyzstan.
“But, even this is not enough. We have ready investment projects. We have the capacity to build small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations with a capacity from one to 1,000 megawatts; the rivers are ready. Countries and financial institutions, among which is the debtor Kyrgyzstan, can take part in the construction of power facilities and power stations.” hydroelectric power in the country. Together we will cut the ribbons of these green economy facilities. Together we will implement green projects in Kyrgyzstan, in exchange for writing off our foreign debt, “Zaprov said.
“We all want our children to live in a rich country with a good environment. We want to be a truly energy-independent country that uses its potential rationally. Therefore, the country will continue to move in this direction, paying more and more attention to environmental issues and the green economy.”