146 hectares of pastureland have been converted for the construction of residential buildings in Chon-Alai district, Osh region; the District Chief stated that it is not the authorities who will build the houses but the local residents themselves

Mandatory tips, a 5-15% ever more often charged separately in restaurant, will be banned in Kyrgyzstan; the practice, authorities affirm, raises concerns in terms of tax regulation, consumer protection, and business transparency

A package of laws to enhance the use of the Kyrgyz language in public and professional life has been signed by President Japarov, in line with Parliament Committee that has been supporting the use of local language in schools with a series of measures

Health Ministry suspended activities of 78 clinics following large-scale inspections of private medical organizations in Bishkek and Osh; 31% were operating without a valid license and in 68,4% violations of licensing requirements were uncovered

Amendments to the law on restricting the circulation of plastic bags and products now make room for the reintroduction of single-use plastic dining implements, PET bottles, plastic food packaging: previously fully banned, now banned only if non-recyclable