Development of information and communication technologies and the formation of digital economy in Kyrgyzstan

The article presents the results of analysis and assessment of the level of development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the process of forming a digital economy in Kyrgyzstan. The process of digital transformation of the economy, which is at the stage of emerging in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR), is considered. The position of the Kyrgyz Republic in international ratings characterizing the development of digitalization among the EAEU member countries is analyzed. Among the presented indices and ratings characterizing the process of digitalization and implementation of ICT, the Kyrgyz Republic mainly occupies the worst places among the EAEU countries. The best positions of the Kyrgyz Republic fall in the rating of the cost of mobile Internet - second place among the countries of the world (2018), and also by the rating of the level of freedom of the Internet - second place among the EAEU countries in 2018. Data on the contribution of the digital economy to the GDP of developed and developing countries are presented. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the contribution of the digital economy to GDP in 2017 amounted to 0.4%. The main directions of the digitalization process and the transition to the digital economy, described in the program documents on the development of the digital economy in the Kyrgyz Republic, are considered. An assessment of the current situation in the field of ICT, which contribute to the active development of the digital state, is carried out. Based on official statistics, an analysis was made of the availability of ICT facilities in enterprises and organizations. The main goals of the implementation of the Digital Transformation Concept “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” are considered, the main directions of development and projects for the implementation of the goals are identified. The Digital CASA - Kyrgyz Republic project was considered as the basis for the implementation of the «Taзa Кoom» program, which is a key component of the National Development Strategy of the country for 2018-2040.