Kyrgyzstan traditionally has the lowest average salaries among the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. Thus, in January-September last year, the average salary in the republic was 2.26 times lower than in Russia ($409 vs. $928) and 2.1 times lower than in Kazakhstan ($409 vs. $854). Even in Belarus, which has the second lowest average earnings in the EAEU at $690, wages exceeded Kyrgyz wages by $281. However, there is an area in the country where incomes are much higher. Officially, in Jeti-Oguz district, the average salary in 2024 reached 100 thousand 282 KGS (in January-March), which exceeds the level of salaries in Moscow region, where, according to Rosstat, the average salary at the end of the year was 95 thousand 216 rubles.

The Jeti-Oguz district, located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, is known not only for its scenic views, but also for the record incomes earned by the local population. According to the latest reports, for nine months of last year, the average salary here amounted to 99 thousand 804 KGS, and by November - 99 thousand 66 KGS.

For comparison, in Bishkek, the average salary in 2024 was 44 thousand 23 KGS, which is much lower, and in neighboring districts of the region, such as Issyk-Kul and Ak-Suu, the income of the population is even lower, they fluctuate between 25 thousand and 27 thousand KGS.

This phenomenon is explained by the presence of a large industrial enterprise - the Kumtor mine - in the territory of the district. It remains the key driver of economic growth in the region. However, if we exclude its influence, the level of wages in the district falls almost four times - to 25 thousand 404 KGS. This demonstrates the importance of large enterprises and investments for regional development.

In the Issyk-Kul region as a whole, the average salary is 41 thousand 979 KGS, and excluding Kumtor - 26 thousand 582 KGS. These figures emphasize the inequality in income distribution within the region. To ensure sustainable economic development of the region, it is necessary to diversify the sources of income.

One of the promising areas could be the tourism industry. Despite many years of attempts to make tourism one of the key sources of income, its contribution to GDP remains low at 5%-7% (according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic). And this is despite the fact that Issyk-Kul region has everything necessary to attract even the most demanding travelers: beach recreation on the shores of the picturesque Lake Issyk-Kul, hiking and horseback riding trails in the mountains, as well as ski resorts in Karakol.