What measures are being taken in Kyrgyzstan to combat COVID-19?

Bishkek, July 30, 2020. /Kabar/. During a briefing at Government House on Thursday, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy Sanjar Mukanbetov told about the measures taken by the ministry in the fight against coronavirus and for economic recovery.

According to him, first of all, urgent measures have been taken.

"Thus, on Feb. 3, the Government introduced a temporary ban on the export of certain drugs and medical products from the country. In order to provide agricultural producers with soft loans, the “Agriculture Financing-8” program was approved. Also in March, a ban on the export of certain types of food and consumer goods from the country to third countries was introduced.

In order to support domestic producers, certain types of pasta and disinfectants have been allowed to be exported. Also in March, it was decided to exempt from VAT on the import of medical masks. The Government order exempted a number of enterprises that use ethyl alcohol for medical purposes from excise tax," said the minister.

According to Mukanbetov’s data, the first package of the Anti-Crisis Measures Plan was approved in March, under which on Apr. 3, 2020 the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on stabilization of the socio-economic situation in the conditions of emergency was adopted.

"The law provides for the extension of tax reporting deadlines and non-application of tax sanctions and penalties for late performance of tax obligations until July 1, 2020," said the minister.

He also noted that the moratorium on inspections of state regulatory authorities is extended until Jan.1, 2022.

"A temporary ban on bankruptcy proceedings was introduced until Jan. 1, 2021. Work was carried out with commercial banks to extend and restructure the principal amounts and interest on loans for at least 3 months in support of small and medium-sized businesses. The introduction of components of the electronic system of fiscal procedures (e-invoice, electronic consignment notes and virtual cash register) was rescheduled until July 1, 2020," Minister Mukanbetov concluded.