Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kyrgyzstan’s National Agency for Investments to launch crypto payment infrastructure and blockchain education in the country. The agreement was formalized during the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Development of Digital Assets, attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. As part of the collaboration, Binance will introduce Binance Pay to Kyrgyzstan, enabling cryptocurrency transactions for visitors and residents. Additionally, Binance Academy will collaborate with Kyrgyz government agencies and financial institutions to create blockchain-focused learning programs. Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance’s regional head for Central and Eastern Europe, expressed excitement about the partnership and the development of crypto-assets in the region. The move follows former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao’s commitment to advising Kyrgyzstan on blockchain and crypto-related regulations after signing an MOU with the country’s foreign investment agency. In a related development, Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov signed a law authorizing the launch of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project, giving the “digital som” legal tender status. The country’s abundant hydroelectric resources have made it attractive to cryptocurrency miners due to low-cost energy. Binance’s collaboration with the Kyrgyz government is part of its broader strategy to expand partnerships with governments globally. The exchange has been advising various governments on establishing strategic Bitcoin reserves and formulating crypto asset regulations. Former Binance CEO Zhao was recently appointed as an advisor to Pakistan’s Crypto Council, a regulatory body overseeing the country’s adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets. This partnership underscores Binance’s efforts to strengthen its global presence in the cryptocurrency sector.