Kyrgyz President Urges Greater Transparency

16 July 2004 -- At an investment forum today, Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev called for greater transparency and less state interference in the private business sector as ways to help attract investors.

Akaev said transparency is "like fresh air to investment," and that the goals of minimizing state interference in everyday business activities are key to the principles of good governance.

Akaev urged officials in a statement not to abuse their positions and to always be impartial in their judgments, and that private investment needed to double to ensure economic growth in Kyrgyzstan.

(AP)