Describes how widely e-Commerce is used, the primary sectors that sell through e-commerce, and how much product/service in each sector is sold through e-commerce versus brick-and-mortar retail. Includes what a company needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in the local market and , reputable, prominent B2B websites.
Last Published: 8/2/2019

Overview

Electronic commerce is still developing in the Kyrgyz Republic.  Internet access outside of major cities is unreliable but improving quickly.  ATM/debit cards are extremely common in Bishkek and ATMs are a common sight in most medium-sized villages.  Electronic payment of salaries is becoming more common, and some local banks have developed applications for mobile phones.  Nevertheless, the Kyrgyz Republic is primarily a cash economy.

Internet Penetration

According to a 2018 freedomhouse.org assessment of the Kyrgyz internet environment, internet penetration in the Kyrgyz Republic is approximately 34,5[1]% of the total population.  This low level of internet penetration is likely due to a variety of demographic, geographic, and economic factors.  The Kyrgyz Republic has an extremely low amount of internet traffic and online engagement compared to neighboring countries Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; only 40% of the Kyrgyz population are regular internet users[2].  Mobile broadband continues to rapidly expand, but only 46%[3] of the population use fixed broadband, according to the survey.

Current Market Trends

Recently, eCommerce has experienced rapid growth in the Kyrgyz Republic.  In recent years, significant advances have occurred locally in mobile payment systems and app-based commercial platforms.  There are more online shops now than several years ago, and the variety of commercial services available via the internet has expanded significantly.

Despite recent technological developments, however, the majority of Kyrgyzstanis continue to prefer traditional forms of purchasing goods and ordering services.  A key challenge to development of robust eCommerce in the Kyrgyz Republic is the perception that goods purchased online may be of lesser quality, and that services can be better negotiated in person.  Consumers may also be concerned about poor customer service and no clear recourse in the event of a negative eCommerce experience.

There is ample opportunity for improvement and development of eCommerce in the Kyrgyz Republic.  High speed, affordable internet access and usage –- particularly in mobile broadband -- are expanding throughout the Kyrgyz Republic, albeit primarily in urban areas.  Rural areas, where 60% of the total populace reside, have limited internet access and low levels of internet use.  The Kyrgyz Republic does have a steadily developing IT sector, and the undeveloped eCommerce sector may present investment opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. 

Popular eCommerce Sites

Local internet retailers are rapidly increasing in the Kyrgyz Republic, though overall penetration remains low.  Popular domestic eCommerce sites include Svetofor.info and Lalafo.kg.  Svetofor identifies itself as the most popular online commercial market in the Kyrgyz Republic, and offers a wide variety of retail goods.  Lalafo is akin to an online trading site such as eBay or Craigslist.  Additionally, websites that provide services are increasing in both number and use; websites such as Tez.kg or Namba.kg offer consumers a mobile and web-based interface to order taxis and food delivery services in Bishkek. Several online platforms offer taxi services similar to Uber, including Namba Taxi and Yandex Taxi.  Chinese eCommerce websites such as taobao.com and alibaba.com are more popular than other international eCommerce platforms; many Kyrgyz companies retain Chinese-speaking staff to help locals make purchases through Chinese eCommerce websites.

Social Media

The social media market in the Kyrgyz Republic is relatively small compared to other nations, with only 29% of internet users actively engaged on social media platforms, but it is growing.  Recent studies indicate a 38% increase in social media users in 2018, with this growth centered predominantly in urban areas.  Facebook’s dominance of the social media market grew throughout 2018, from an estimated 29% share in January to approximately 30% by the end of the year.  YouTube, Twitter, and Russian social media network VKontakte together occupied slightly more than 32.5% of social media use as of December 2018[4].

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.