Kyrgyzstan to start domestic printing of national currency banknotes - president

BISHKEK. June 9 (Interfax) - Kyrgyzstan will soon move the printing of its national currency banknotes from Europe to the republic's home soil.

"In the near future, Kyrgyzstan will start printing its national currency banknotes inside the republic. Relevant work is underway and the necessary equipment has been purchased. We will definitely launch it," President Sadyr Japarov said on Friday at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Kyrgyz som, according to his press service.

In the national development program of Kyrgyzstan through 2026, the promotion of the financial market is defined as one of the most important areas. According to the program, the country plans to increase the availability of financial services for the population and business entities, promote digital payment technologies and implement a pilot project on the use of digital som, he said.

"Currently, against the backdrop of world events in the external financial market, there is volatility in the currencies of other countries. Current circumstances confirm the importance of the National Bank as a financial institution. It must continue to work to maintain the purchasing power of the national currency, ensure the stability of the financial and banking system and maintain the level of public confidence to financial organizations," Japarov said.

According to the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, denominations of 100, 200 and 5,000 som are printed in France, while denominations of 500 and 1,000 som come from Malta.