Kyrgyz

Kyrgyzstan’s Transition: From Tourism to Cheese Production with Andre Wolkorte

Dutchman Andre Wolkorte Finds Success in Kyrgyzstan with Cheese Farm Business

Andre Wolkorte, originally from Losser village in the Netherlands, has found a new home and thriving business in Kyrgyzstan. A chemical process engineer by education, Andre has worked in various industries in his home country before making the move to Kyrgyzstan where he has been living and working for the past 14 years.

In a recent interview with 24.kg news agency, Andre shared his journey of how he first visited Kyrgyzstan in 2007 as a tourist and later met his wife Gulzhan, eventually settling down in the country. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new living environment and culture, Andre found his passion in running a tour company and guest house with his wife.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges, with a drastic drop in tourists affecting their business. In response, Andre decided to explore new business opportunities and ventured into the production of cheese. After spending time in Germany learning the art of cheese making, Andre returned to Kyrgyzstan to start his cheese farm in Aral.

With two varieties of cheese currently in production, Andre focuses on using high-quality milk from trusted suppliers to ensure a superior product. His cheeses have gained popularity in Bishkek, where he supplies to retail outlets and participates in organic fairs. He has plans to expand production and export to neighboring countries like Russia and Kazakhstan.

Despite the differences between his homeland and Kyrgyzstan, Andre has found a sense of familiarity in the village of Aral, with its abundance of water and trees reminding him of the Netherlands. While facing challenges in language barriers, Andre communicates with the local population in a mix of German, English, Dutch, Russian, and Kyrgyz.

Reflecting on his time in Kyrgyzstan, Andre has traveled extensively across the country, with Karakol and Sary-Chelek Lake being some of his favorite places. Despite missing certain aspects of his homeland, Andre remains committed to living and thriving in Kyrgyzstan, building strong relationships with the local community and continuing to expand his cheese farm business.

 

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