Today, the name RAO Enterprises is becoming increasingly recognized in the fields of polymer raw material imports, construction, and international trade. Behind the company’s growth is not only a well-defined business strategy, but also the personal story of its founder—a man who rose from a humble childhood in Kara-Suu to building an international business.
How did the challenges of his early years shape his outlook on life? Why did he choose to focus on industrial development? What principles guide his work with partners today, and what goals does he see for the future of the company?
Read our exclusive interview with the founder of RAO Enterprises.
— Tell us about yourself. Who are you, and what path led you into business?
— My name is Jahongir Salijanov. Yes, my name is rather unusual—it was given to me by my maternal grandfather. Since many people find it difficult to pronounce, almost everyone simply calls me Janybek.
I was born in Kara-Suu, Osh Region, and grew up in a large family with six children. We lived very modestly. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, we had no home of our own and lived in a small room next to the warehouse where my father worked as a security guard. He spent his entire life working as a construction laborer, while my mother baked pastries to support the family.
I started earning money at the age of twelve by sewing children’s shorts and selling them at the local market so I could buy my own school uniform. Looking back, that was the moment I realized a simple truth: if you want to change your life, you have to take the first step yourself.
— What was your first entrepreneurial experience? What shaped your approach to business?
— After finishing the ninth grade, I started reselling Chinese goods at the local market. I was young and lacked both knowledge and experience, which eventually led me into debt.
In 2005, I left the country to work abroad. That period completely changed my mindset. I realized that life should not be built from one paycheck to another. You have to think years ahead, take responsibility for yourself, and create your own future.
— When did the idea of creating your own company first appear?
— When I returned to Kyrgyzstan in 2018, I faced a difficult reality. My savings quickly ran out, and finding a decent job was almost impossible.
After moving to Bishkek, I began helping a polyethylene bag manufacturer expand its production. That was when I discovered the industry’s biggest challenge—expensive raw materials and a long chain of intermediaries.
I realized that by establishing direct supplies of polymer raw materials from manufacturers, local producers could purchase materials at far more competitive prices. That was the beginning of RAO Enterprises.
— What principles are most important to you as a business leader?
— Honesty, openness, and responsibility.
I have personally experienced financial hardship, made mistakes, and faced difficult decisions. Because of that, I deeply understand every entrepreneur who invests their own money into building a manufacturing business.
For me, the greatest measure of success is seeing my partners grow. If their businesses are developing, then we are truly creating value.
— What mission did you set for RAO Enterprises in the beginning?
— I saw that many manufacturing companies in Kyrgyzstan were purchasing polymer raw materials through several intermediaries, which significantly increased costs.
As a result, local manufacturers struggled to compete with imported finished products.
Our goal was simple: establish direct partnerships with leading manufacturers and make high-quality polymer raw materials more accessible to domestic industry.
— Why did you choose polymer raw materials, construction, and metallurgical coal exports as the company’s core business areas?
— All three industries contribute directly to the development of the real economy.
Polymer raw materials are the foundation of modern manufacturing.
Construction drives infrastructure and industrial growth.
Metallurgical coal is an essential resource for industrial enterprises throughout the region.
For us, these are not isolated business sectors—they complement one another and create a stable foundation for long-term growth.
— Why did polymer raw materials become your primary focus?
— Because this is where I saw the greatest opportunity to make a real difference for local manufacturers.
When businesses gain access to high-quality raw materials at competitive prices, they become stronger, increase production, create new jobs, and compete more successfully.
That is why polymer raw material imports became our top priority.
— How do you assess today’s polymer market?
— I believe the market is developing rapidly.
Demand for materials such as PP, HDPE, LDPE, and other polymer grades continues to grow. Manufacturers are investing in modern equipment and demanding increasingly higher-quality raw materials.
This shows that Kyrgyzstan’s manufacturing industry is steadily moving to a new level.
— Why do manufacturers choose RAO Enterprises?
— We focus on providing what matters most—reliability.
For any manufacturing company, production downtime caused by raw material shortages can result in significant financial losses.
That is why we place great emphasis on stable supply chains, product availability, and high-quality customer service.
We manage international logistics, negotiations with manufacturers, and supply chain coordination so our partners can focus entirely on production.
— How important are quality certificates and reliable supply?
— They are the foundation of trust.
Quality certificates, product passports, and consistent inventory allow manufacturers to plan production with confidence.
Without them, manufacturing becomes unpredictable and risky. Our mission is to make our customers’ operations as stable and reliable as possible.
— How do you build relationships with partners in China and other countries?
— Personal relationships are essential in international business.
We regularly visit manufacturers, tour production facilities, conduct direct negotiations, and build long-term partnerships.
When partners see professionalism, transparency, and genuine commitment, trust develops—and trust is something no contract can replace.
— Today, financial transparency is becoming increasingly important. How significant are modern insurance and credit guarantee solutions?
— Modern business requires transparency and responsibility.
We use financial instruments, including solutions provided by Dordoi Insurance, to reduce risks, enhance transaction security, and, in certain cases, offer partners more flexible cooperation terms.
This creates a safer and more comfortable business environment for everyone involved.
— RAO Enterprises is also active in construction. Why did you decide to expand into this field?
— For me, construction is about much more than simply erecting buildings.
We aim to develop modern residential, commercial, and industrial facilities that will serve businesses and communities for decades.
Every completed project is our contribution to the country’s economic development.
— What goals have you set for RAO Enterprises over the coming years?
— We plan to expand our supply geography, increase polymer raw material import volumes, automate internal business processes, and strengthen international partnerships.
Our goal is for RAO Enterprises to become synonymous with reliability, quality, and long-term partnership, not only in Kyrgyzstan but throughout Central Asia.
— What would you like to say to your future partners?
— I started with very little, and I know the value of every hard-earned som.
That is why I deeply respect entrepreneurs who build manufacturing businesses, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.
For us, RAO Enterprises is more than a supplier of polymer raw materials. We strive to become a trusted long-term partner that helps businesses grow, operate with confidence, and build a stronger future together.