Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small Businesses in Kyrgyzstan: Wholesale and Retail Trade of Goods from China

Author: Nazgul Abdrazakova

Abstract: The role of small and medium enterprises in the economy of Kyrgyzstan is significant: in 2019 they contributed about 44.8% of GDP. A significant number of these businesses is involved in trade of goods from China, including clothing, construction materials and household goods. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), increasing their costs. This study analyses issues that SMEs faced due to the pandemic and measures an economic impact of the pandemic on SMEs involved in trade of household goods from China. This research also provides a description of state support and SMEs’ efforts to overcome the consequences of the pandemic. The study is based on the analysis of secondary sources, statistical data, and in-depth interviews with representatives of SMEs involved in trade in household goods, accessories, and companies working in transportation.

About the author: Nazgul Abdrazakova is a researcher at IPPA, UCA. She holds a master's degree in management from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. She has assisted with IPPA projects, including training and facilitation of the Mining Policy Initiative in Kyrgyzstan, the Public Employees Certification Program under the Research and Public Policy Initiative (RPPI), participated in modeling under the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) IMPACT Project, and various other research projects. She has experience in macroeconomic analysis of the economies of Central Asia, regional trade and modeling.

Keywords: pandemic, economy, SMEs

JEL codes: M16