In late 2025, Fennoaqua’s Area Sales Manager, Aleksei Ivanov, travelled to Kyrgyzstan to visit local fish-farming facilities. This trip followed a 2024 visit to Finland by Kyrgyz representatives.

“My aim was to learn about fish farming in Kyrgyzstan, its special features, and the country’s potential and challenges. I wanted to understand the local fish farming supply chain and fish sales market. I also wanted to strengthen ties with our representatives. The trip ended with the New Year celebrations of the Kyrgyz fish industry association. The invitation came unexpectedly, but I was thrilled to be able to attend.”

Kyrgyz fish farming has great potential

During his trip, Ivanov visited both large and small fish farming facilities and observed various production methods, including cage and land-based facilities and fry farming. The industry has great potential in the country, and the conditions for fish farming are excellent in terms of water resources. There is plenty of clean water, and in the best breeding locations, the water temperature is 10–18 degrees Celsius year-round.

“Researchers say the country could easily produce over 100,000 tons of fish. Fish grow quickly: A fish weighing one gram can reach slaughter weight of about two kilograms in 13–14 months. A fish weighing 200–300 grams can reach the same weight in six months.”

“We visited a facility located in a gorge below a hydroelectric power plant. Only 300 tons of fish were farmed there, but it was certainly one of the best locations I have ever seen. There were 20 km of water area available, the flow was strong, and the water was crystal clear at a depth of 30 meters. That gorge alone could have been used to raise all the fish in Finland!“

The Kyrgyz government supports aquaculture through various measures: there are no customs duties on imports of fish feed, and entrepreneurs are offered tax exemptions on VAT and investment support for equipment and feed purchases. The challenges are a lack of capital and expertise, as aquaculture is a relatively new industry.

Kyrgyz fish farmers have large sales markets right in their own “backyard”.

“One of the neighbouring countries is China, with which Kyrgyzstan shares a border of over 1,000 km. There is plenty of room for fish in the large Chinese market.”

Kyrgyzstan: a new opening for Fennoaqua

Fish feed manufactured in Raisio has a long history in Kyrgyzstan: it has been exported to the country since the 1990s. There have been breaks in the cooperation over the years, but regular exports resumed in 2024, so Kyrgyzstan can be considered a new opening for Fennoaqua.

“The start has gone well, and Kyrgyzstan is currently one of our fastest-growing markets. Western feed is highly valued there, and our products have been well-received. We have received praise for the breeding results and the colour and texture of the fish meat. Our small feeds, Hercules Vital Plus 1.2–2.5 mm, have been particularly noted for their excellent results: mortality has been very low, the fish are lively and grow strongly.”

Strong nomadic traditions in a mountainous country

Kyrgyzstan is an agricultural country, with about 90 percent of its land area covered by mountains. Distances in the country are long.

“We spent hours in the car, and the landscapes are very different from those in Southwest Finland, Fennoaqua’s home region.”

Ivanov says the country’s strong nomadic background remains evident.

“Traditional dwellings, or yurts, are still in use, and horse breeding is thriving. The spectacular two-team Kok Boru horse game is popular.”