This initiative sparked debate and discontent in society. Some citizens, including some bloggers, considered the decision unfair to other taxpayers.

Chairman of the State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic Almambet Shykmamatov explained to 24.kg news agency the rationale behind the presidential decision.

— Recently, the president signed a decree on supporting the creative economy, software developers, startups, and bloggers. The decision sparked considerable discussion. Why was such a document even necessary?

— The world is changing. And the economy is changing too. Just 20 years ago, the economy was based on factories, manufacturing, trade, and raw materials. Today, technology, digital products, content, and intellectual property play a huge role. The President is essentially saying something very simple: Kyrgyzstan should be competitive not only in traditional industries, but also in the new economy. That’s why this decree was issued.

— Critics of the decree ask a simple question: why are tax benefits granted to some, but not to others?

— Because this is not about benefits for the sake of benefits. This is an investment by the state in future growth. People tend to perceive the situation as if the budget is losing huge amounts of money.

But let’s be honest: for many years, the majority of the creative economy has operated either as self-employed individuals, under license regimes, or on a very small scale.

In the past, the state did not receive significant tax revenues from this sector either. Bloggers pay minimal taxes. Therefore, we are now effectively giving the industry an opportunity to grow.

— So the state is deliberately giving up part of its income?

— Yes, but in order to receive much more in the future. Any large company was once small. Any successful business once started with just a few people or even one person. If we give such projects the opportunity to develop today, in a few years they will create jobs, pay substantial taxes, and work for export. That is exactly the intention.

— The inclusion of bloggers in the list of those receiving support caused the most debate.

— Yes, I know. Some well-known bloggers themselves say: «We don’t need this, we already pay taxes.» That is not entirely accurate, but I do not want to argue with them now, and I will even say they are partly right.

However, the President is not making decisions for any individual blogger. He is looking much further ahead.

Today, many people see a blogger as someone with a phone, but a modern successful blogger is already a small media outlet. Behind them are camera operators, editors, designers, marketers, and producers. Tomorrow, this could become a full-fledged media company with new large-scale projects, a full staff, and its own tax contributions — completely different from what bloggers pay today, because the scale will be different.

Therefore, this is not about supporting individuals. It is about supporting a new sector of the economy.

— Some believe bloggers are already earning well...

— Let’s not focus only on those who have already succeeded. Any industry consists not only of leaders. There are hundreds of young men and women just starting out. There are teams creating content, educational projects, and digital services. They’re the ones who have the hardest time. With this decree, the President is saying: try, develop, create. This is a very important signal.

— The decree not only supports the «zharatmans» but also increases the tax burden on gold mining companies. Why did these decisions come together? — Because they are based on the same logic. If a person creates a new economy, new products, and new jobs, the state supports their growth. If a company earns additional profit due to record global gold prices, the state is entitled to a fair share of that income. This is not a contradiction. It is simply common-sense economics.

— Critics say the state has become overly enthusiastic about incentives.

— Not at all. In fact, the whole world is doing something similar. Look at Estonia. Look at Uzbekistan with its IT Park. Look at Georgia. Look at the United Kingdom and Ireland, which have supported their film industries and creative sectors for years.

Everyone has long understood one simple thing: talent must be competed for. A talented programmer, designer, or content creator today can work from almost anywhere in the world. If Kyrgyzstan does not create competitive conditions, these people will simply choose another jurisdiction.

— So this is less about taxes and more about competition for people?

— Absolutely correct. Today, states compete not only for investment.

They compete for minds. For people capable of creating in-demand products. For those who can invent new technologies, new services, and new businesses.

If we want a strong economy in ten years, we must think about this today.

— How would you summarize the meaning of the decree in one sentence?

— Very simply. The state tells the zharatmans (creators): do not waste your energy fighting taxes at the start. Spend it on building your product. And later, results will show whether this decision was right.

Personally, I believe the President has made a very forward-looking decision.