Economic transition
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asia’s republics lost their economic lifeline to Russia.
Kyrgyzstan has adopted an open market, while the governments of neighbouring countries such as Uzbekistan continue to run centrally-controlled economies.
New businesses complain of having to cope with lingering Soviet-era mentalities as well as a pervasive culture of corruption.
Swiss aid groups are helping small businesses to find their feet by providing training, encouraging sound business practices and extending loans.
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