Kyrgyzstan Launches Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov has officially launched the Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory (SFIT), a new international financial jurisdiction located on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. At the launch ceremony, 20 companies from various countries including South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan joined as the first residents of Tamchy SFIT. The launch was marked by President Japarov activating a geotag-shaped button, signifying Tamchy SFIT’s official presence on the global financial centre map. President Japarov emphasised that global economic shifts are driving the need for new business hubs capable of delivering international standards, freedom to innovate, and certainty for long-term investment. “Tamchy SFIT is a national project and our answer to the needs of global business players. We are building this financial centre from the ground up with an independent judicial system, a modern regulator, and consistent regulations that do not change with passing trends. I am confident Tamchy SFIT will open a new chapter in Kyrgyzstan’s history,” he stated. Tamchy SFIT operates based on the principles of English Common Law and is supported by an independent financial regulator, an International Dispute Resolution Centre, and a single-window digital registrar. The zone also offers a special tax regime featuring a 0 percent tax rate on corporate profits, dividends, capital gains, and VAT for 49 years, along with allowing up to 100 percent foreign ownership and freedom in profit repatriation. Spanning approximately 6,000 hectares, Tamchy SFIT already has a fully operational business centre, while the construction of hotels and residential areas is ongoing. Its location is also within walking distance of Issyk-Kul International Airport. “A world-class financial centre is built by understanding the needs of international investors and business players. Tamchy SFIT offers a reliable, flexible platform ready to support investment for companies seeking sustainable growth,” he added. The zone is designed with reference to the best international standards, grounded in English Common Law, and holds a strategic position at the crossroads of five Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states and the Eurasian corridor. Tamchy SFIT presents a neutral, independent jurisdiction designed for long-term sustainability. One of the first investors, Seo Dong Hyun, CEO of Serim, conveyed that legal certainty and regulatory credibility were the main factors in his investment decision. “These principles are the foundation of Tamchy SFIT’s establishment. What is truly remarkable is that a project of this scale could be realised in just one year, faster than any jurisdiction I know of,” Seo remarked. By 2035, Tamchy SFIT targets attracting around 4,000 resident companies and creating more than 10,000 jobs, with its contribution to Kyrgyzstan’s economy over the 2026–2035 period estimated to reach approximately US$20 billion.