Analysis of Youth Labor Market Trends in Kyrgyzstan

Youth employability is one of the most important areas of the socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan. The study provides an overview of the labor market in Kyrgyzstan, analyzes important aspects of the small or medium-sized enterprise sector, and provides an assessment of youth employment opportunities. Besides a general overview, the study analyzes the situation of the youth labor market in seven different project locations. A qualitative study collects evidence of the modern realities of the youth labor market in four from the aforementioned seven locations. Interviewed experts, owners, and business managers describe the gaps in the skills of youth employed in different locations.

The report provides analysis of similarities and differences in the northern and southern parts of the country, as well as differences between urban, rural and gender contexts. The findings and insights help to define the main gaps in the employment of youth, avenues for employability (products and services) and existing trends in youth employment. For the selected project areas, key products and services deemed important for the youth labor market in the coming years were identified. A map of the gaps and interlinkages of the youth labor market, as well as a set of recommendations, were developed which help to identify potential areas of public policy intervention and advice for youth and their parents.