IMF & Informality: The IMF says Kyrgyzstan’s informal economy is huge: about 71% of workers are informal, generating roughly 19% of GDP, with low-skilled workers dominating (education no higher than primary for 45% in informality vs 7% in formal jobs), driven by tax policy, rigid labor rules, and limited access to finance. Macroeconomic Pulse: Kyrgyzstan’s H1 2026 GDP hit 960 billion soms, up 12% year-on-year, while industry grew 12.7% and fixed-capital investment rose 1.6x to 204.4 billion soms. Bishkek Waste & Utilities: Bishkek’s municipal “Tazalyk” launched a tender for 25 modern waste-sorting sites (40.7 million soms, 70 days to build). The city also faces scheduled power cuts in parts of Bishkek on July 18, and new air-conditioned buses will start only in August due to customs delays. Land Leasing Clarity: President Sadyr Japarov reiterated that land stays state-owned and foreigners can only lease it long-term; the changes aim to tighten control and prevent undeveloped plots. Trade & Regional Business: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are preparing a major Bishkek business forum (July 28), with B2B/B2G sessions and investment cooperation documents on the agenda. Energy & Growth Risks: NESK reported emergency outages from high-voltage line shutdowns, while Kyrgyzstan’s broader fuel-export restrictions continue to shape supply and prices. SCO Cooperation: Ulan Mamatkanov pushed youth digital and entrepreneurial skills and proposed SCO youth environmental forums in Kyrgyzstan; SCO border chiefs also met in Islamabad to coordinate security cooperation. Climate Policy: Kyrgyzstan adopted Central Asia’s first comprehensive climate law, effective Jan 1, 2027, covering mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, and a national carbon registry.