Kyrgyzstan's Tax Chief Responds to Russian PM's Claims

The head of Kyrgyzstan's State Tax Service, Almamat Shykmamatov, has responded to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's claims that Kyrgyz authorities pressure Russian companies, Orda.kz reports, citing AKIpress.

Speaking about the country's leadership, Mr. Mishustin committed an inaccuracy, and the word 'extortion' is a gross exaggeration. One can say that business matters were given a political coloring. Perhaps this is due to Mikhail Mishustin's lack of objective information,  Shykmamatov stated.

According to Shykmamatov, tax regulations apply equally to all companies in Kyrgyzstan, regardless of whether they are local, from a major power, or a small state.

He emphasized that the country's leadership is implementing extensive reforms and taking serious measures to eliminate corruption, demanding the same from all government agencies.

If someone deliberately tries to hide taxes, the authorities act within the framework of national legislation. In Russia, these principles are also inviolable. I am sure that Mikhail Vladimirovich, as the 'father' of one of the most successful tax reforms in Russia, understands this perfectly, he noted.

The tax chief added that taxpayers who disagree with tax authority sanctions can defend their rights through appeals and court proceedings.

He characterized the "pressure" on Russian businesses as a routine administrative matter that shouldn't affect strategic relations between the countries, suggesting that "excessive politicization at such a level appears inappropriate."

The response came after Russian PM Mishustin urged Kyrgyz authorities to "stop administrative pressure on Russian companies."

Russia's Foreign Ministry had previously claimed to have detailed specific instances of alleged "illegal and sometimes extortionate actions" in a diplomatic note to Kyrgyzstan. 

Mishustin also emphasized that "law-abiding and conscientious" Russian companies contribute to Kyrgyzstan's economic development.