The head of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that it is important to intensify dialogue with third countries and international organizations of mutual economic interest.
An expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council took place in Almaty. It was attended by the heads of government of Kazakhstan - Alikhan Smailov, Armenia - Nikol Pashinyan, Belarus - Roman Golovchenko, Russia - Mikhail Mishustin, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev and Chairman of the EEC Board Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of the EAEU integrated information system, an action plan to create favorable conditions for the development of electronic commerce, and the issue of amending the list of priority integration infrastructure projects in the field of transport.
Along with this, the participants reviewed the macroeconomic situation in the EAEU countries and proposals for ensuring sustainable economic development.
Alikhan Smailov recalled that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the EAEU. Today it is a dynamically developing integration association with a population of 190 million people, a labor market of over 93 million people and a GDP of $2.7 trillion. At the same time, mutual trade between member states doubled from 2015 to 2022 and reached $85 billion.
- A landmark event of the past year was the adoption of the Declaration “Eurasian Economic Path”. This document defines the key directions of integration processes in the Eurasian space for the next 5 years. The implementation of the Declaration will create conditions for the development of our economies. Every effort must be made to implement specific economic projects,” the Prime Minister said.
As the head of government noted, the EAEU is located at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, which has always been a competitive advantage of this region.
- Kazakhstan attaches special importance to the development of transit and transport infrastructure. Over the past 15 years, our country has allocated more than $35 billion for these purposes. A logistics center in Lianyungang, the Khorgos dry port, the Western Europe - Western China transit highway, and a railway corridor from China to Iran have been launched. The Caspian seaports “Kuryk” and “Aktau” have been modernized,” said Alikhan Smailov.
He also added that construction of new railways “Bakhty – Ayagoz”, “Darbaza – Maktaaral”, a bypass line around the “Almaty” station has begun, and second tracks are already being laid on the “Dostyk – Moyynty” section.
In addition, the construction of a Kazakh terminal in Xi'an, China has begun. Together with the Russian, Turkmen, Indian and Iranian sides, work is being carried out on the synchronous development of the eastern route of the North-South corridor.
- We consider it important to further increase the capacity of international corridors, logistics terminals and checkpoints of our countries. “I invite all EAEU countries to implement joint projects to develop transit and transport infrastructure,” said the Prime Minister.
At the same time, he said that in order to strengthen cooperation in industrial cooperation, a mechanism for financial assistance for joint projects will be launched this year. It will make it possible to implement strategic projects, effectively promote business initiatives, increase mutual investments and create new jobs.
- The implementation of large industrial cooperation projects will ensure the development of the technological potential of the member states. I consider it important to further expand the instruments of financial support for joint initiatives,” said Alikhan Smailov.
The head of government emphasized that the implementation of the “four freedoms” and the basic principles of the Treaty on the EAEU remains the foundation of the integration association.
- Our exporters often face cases of hidden restrictions. Therefore, the issue of implementing one of the four freedoms – freedom of movement of goods – remains relevant for us. It is necessary to form a common barrier-free market and ensure unimpeded transit of goods to third countries. This should be facilitated by the digitalization of all main processes,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the international agenda is important from the point of view of expanding sales markets. Therefore, it is important to intensify dialogue with third countries and international organizations of mutual economic interest.
- Partners should know about our advantages. It seems important to attract third countries to participate in certain EAEU infrastructure projects. The commission needs to work with a list of projects in which interested countries can be involved,” said Alikhan Smailov.
In conclusion, he noted that, according to the World Bank forecast, in 2024 the global economic growth rate will continue to slow down and drop to 2.4%.
“The ability to adapt to challenges, both at the national level and on the scale of the EAEU, is today an important factor in the success of our organization,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Following the meeting, the participants signed a number of relevant documents.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
