Anniversary celebration in Bishkek
On the occasion of BPN Kyrgyzstan's 25th anniversary, a group of 18 people from Switzerland traveled to Bishkek to take part in the celebrations. The anticipation was great and expectations were exceeded. The celebration was a true celebration of friendship and cooperation. The Swiss delegation was joined by around 200 entrepreneurs, the President of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and the Deputy Swiss Ambassador. The Swiss ambassador, who was in Switzerland for professional reasons, addressed the community with an inspiring message of welcome. Touching speeches and exciting inputs characterized the day, accompanied by music from the talented Oino Orchestra. It was an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration that will live long in the memory.

Varied program
The rest of the week offered a varied program that provided deeper insights into the country and its economy. The tour group visited various BPN entrepreneurs and experienced the diversity and creativity of the Kyrgyz business world at first hand. Whether it was a school, a tailor's shop, a bakery, a dentist, a construction company, a photo studio, a musical instrument maker or a catering company - every encounter was unique and enriching. The stories and experiences of the entrepreneurs were impressive and showed the impact of BPN on the local economy.

Excursion to Lake Issyk-Kul
Another highlight of the trip was the excursion to Lake Issyk-Kul. Escaping the heat and heavy traffic of Bishkek, the group enjoyed the fresh air and breathtaking scenery of the lake. The clear water and surrounding mountains provided a welcome respite and a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyz hospitality and cultural encounters
The hospitality shown to the group throughout the trip was overwhelming. Whether in the city or in the countryside, they were warmly received and welcomed with open arms everywhere. The sumptuous meals and shared conversations offered deep insights into the culture of the Kyrgyz. This warmth and openness made the trip something very special.

Conclusion and gratitude
The travel group looks back with great gratitude on the many wonderful and impressive experiences. They would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment, their openness and the time they spent together. The anniversary trip was not only a celebration of the 25th anniversary of BPN Kyrgyzstan, but also a celebration of the friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan. The enthusiasm for the country and its people remains and the memories of this unforgettable trip will linger for a long time.

BPN greatly appreciates the exchange with its supporters and would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for their time and interest in BPN's activities. The trip to Kyrgyzstan not only offered the opportunity to get to know the work of the BPN Foundation on site, but also to immerse oneself in a fascinating culture. Shared experiences like this remain in our memories and enrich our lives.

If you too would like to discover new horizons and be part of such a journey, then join us next time! Book one of our BPN trips and be inspired: bpn.ch/bpn-stories-events/bpn-trips (next trip dates are expected to be communicated in the fall)