Publication: Kyrgyz Republic : Growth Rebounds, Risks Remain
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2014-03
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2014-06-12
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The Kyrgyz Republic's three party coalition has tackled a number of events during 2013, including mayoral elections in the country's biggest cities Bishkek and Osh road blockages around Kumtor, the country's largest gold mine; as well as tense negotiations on the future of the mine; and clashes in the south of the country. The government has navigated through these difficult times, quashing a motion of no confidence in parliament. An agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and Centerra Inc. the majority stakeholder in Kumtor was accepted by parliament in early 2014. A surge in gold output and solid growth in the non-gold sectors contributed to an impressive 10.5 percent expansion of the Kyrgyz economy in 2013. Smaller increases in food prices than in recent years, and relatively stable energy prices helped bring inflation down. Expenditure controls and robust revenue outturns have brought the fiscal deficit down to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Preliminary estimates suggest the trade deficit and current account deficit remained high in 2013. Medium term growth is expected to moderate to 5 percent, however, a number of risks remain. The exceptional performance of gold output in 2013 is unlikely to be repeated in 2014. The rest of the economy is expected to continue expanding at 5 to 6 percent. A slowdown in the Russian economy, declining gold prices, and uncertainty created by the recent fluctuations in the exchange rate can adversely affect this outcome. This report presents recent political developments; recent economic developments; and economic and structural policies.
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“World Bank. 2014. Kyrgyz Republic : Growth Rebounds, Risks Remain. Kyrgyz Republic economic report;no. 5. © http://hdl.handle.net/10986/18650 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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