The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is preparing to ease loan refinancing rules for garment industry enterprises, according to a statement from the bank's management. The move is intended to support a sector that accounts for a significant share of the country's export processing capacity.

The planned changes would make it easier for garment producers to restructure existing bank debt, a step that industry participants have requested as working capital pressure has grown. The central bank indicated that the adjustment is part of a broader set of measures under discussion with government agencies and industry associations to support light industry.

The garment sector is one of Kyrgyzstan's key export-oriented industries, supplying apparel to markets including Russia and Kazakhstan. Many enterprises in the sector operate as small and medium-sized businesses that depend heavily on bank financing to purchase raw materials and equipment, making access to affordable credit a critical factor for their competitiveness.

The central bank did not specify a timeline for implementing the new rules, but officials indicated that the measures are being developed in coordination with the government's broader industrial support agenda. The bank also noted that it is monitoring lending conditions to ensure that credit remains available to manufacturing enterprises.

Industry representatives have previously raised concerns about the cost of borrowing and the difficulty of refinancing loans under current regulations, arguing that tighter rules have constrained their ability to invest in production capacity. The proposed easing of refinancing requirements is expected to address some of these concerns, though the specific parameters of the new rules have not yet been published.

The announcement signals official recognition of the garment industry's role in the national economy and comes amid continued efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Further details on the regulatory changes are expected to be released as the measures move through the approval process.