Industrial exports included gold, mercury, uranium, and hydropower. Kyrgyzstan has been one of the most progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in carrying out market reforms. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production have been severe since the break up of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Pensioners, unemployed workers, and government workers with salaries arrears continue to suffer.
Foreign assistance plays a substantial role in the country's budget.
In 1996 the economy showed strong signs that recovery was underway.