Sadyr Japarov responds to criticism about increased foreign workers

Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov has responded to growing criticism about the presence of foreign workers in the country. He explained that while Kyrgyzstan undertakes projects independently when domestic capacity allows, such as the recently initiated Balykchy-Cholpon-Ata railway, foreign assistance becomes crucial for projects requiring specialized engineering, experience, or resources that are currently lacking.

"If we build it ourselves, it could take 15-20 years," Japarov stated, emphasizing that engaging foreign labor is a strategy to accelerate development. He assured that this approach is temporary, as the government is actively sending Kyrgyz engineers and construction workers abroad for training to build domestic expertise.

Japarov criticized certain bloggers, opposition figures, and populist politicians for spreading divisive statements like "they have flooded the country" and "there are too many of them." He argued that such rhetoric creates obstacles and hinders progress, calling for decisive action to suppress it. The president stressed that national sovereignty in development hinges on efficiently executing projects, even if it requires temporary reliance on international partners.