OSCE supports dialogue on responsible exploitation of mineral resources in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, 10 November 2011 - An OSCE-supported open meeting to promote a constructive dialogue on the effects of exploration and mining took place in Bishkek today. Senior governmental officials, members of the parliament, representatives of non-governmental organizations, business associations, and mining companies participated.
The meeting was organized by the International Business Council with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek to promote dialogue between the Government, mining and exploration companies, local authorities and the local population to ensure the interests of the local population and rights of investors are secured. Participants discussed the comprehensive concept of corporate social responsibility, which encompasses the whole range of responsibilities of business to contribute to the well-being of the social environment they are operating in. This goes beyond social support schemes, including protection of the environment and promotion of ecological standards by companies dealing with extraction of resources. Participants also discussed the need for good governance in addition to corporate social responsibility in order to attract foreign investment.
Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “The core challenge for Kyrgyzstan is to manage responsibly the exploitation of its abundant mineral resources. This responsibility implies proper prior consultation between national authorities and communities impacted by mining projects, as well as prior environmental impact studies. Economic profitability must be carefully weighed against economic and environmental sustainability and the resultant benefit for local communities alongside the national budget. Conditions which uphold contractual law and employment standards must also be met in order to attract reliable internal and external investors.”
Aktilek Tungatarov, the Executive Director of the International Business Council, said: “The volume of investments to Kyrgyzstan is gradually increasing. Efficient communication channels between foreign investors and local institutions and citizens are much needed. This open meeting with the participation of all the involved parties is intended to establish such channels of communication.”
The event is the third OSCE-supported public activity of 2011 aiming at triggering an inclusive policy debate on the nexus between governance, conflict prevention and investment conditions. The previous events focused on anti-corruption issues and cross-border trade at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border.