Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency (NIA), agreeing to provide the Central Asian nation with guidance on blockchain development, crypto regulation, and digital asset infrastructure.
The announcement was shared on April 3 by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov, who praised the partnership as a major step toward technological innovation and economic modernization.
“This cooperation marks an important step towards strengthening technological infrastructure, implementing innovative solutions, and preparing highly qualified specialists in blockchain technologies, virtual asset management, and cybersecurity,” President Zhaparov stated.
CZ confirmed the agreement in an X post, explaining that he now advises multiple governments on how to design effective crypto regulatory frameworks and apply blockchain for government efficiency.
“I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading,” CZ wrote.
Kyrgyzstan’s Crypto Potential: Energy and Opportunity
With its abundant hydroelectric energy, Kyrgyzstan is considered a promising location for crypto mining and blockchain infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, while over 30% of Kyrgyzstan’s total energy supply comes from hydro power, only 10% of its hydropower potential has been developed—leaving room for growth in renewable-powered digital infrastructure.
The Kyrgyz Republic, a mountainous, landlocked country, has increasingly sought foreign partnerships to drive tech-sector growth and attract investment. The NIA, which signed the agreement with CZ, plays a key role in connecting international businesses with opportunities in the country.
Since stepping down as CEO of Binance and serving a brief sentence related to violations of U.S. anti-money laundering laws, CZ has shifted his focus toward blockchain advocacy, tech investing, and humanitarian work.
He has already held similar talks with leaders in Malaysia, the UAE, and Bhutan, although details of those meetings remain limited. In January, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with CZ to discuss the country’s evolving crypto strategy.
Additionally, CZ has made investments in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotech startups, while also contributing to relief efforts—donating 1,000 BNB (worth nearly $600,000) to support earthquake victims in Thailand and Myanmar.
Crypto Diplomacy in Action
This partnership shows how more crypto leaders are starting to work with governments, especially in developing countries that want to use blockchain to improve things like transparency, security, and access to financial services.
For countries like Kyrgyzstan, teaming up with someone like CZ could be a big step forward, not just for writing better crypto rules, but for actually using blockchain in everyday areas like business, government, and education.
