Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev delivered an address at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic
Council in St. Petersburg. The Head of State noted that maximizing the use of
economic reserves and integration potential within the Eurasian Economic Union
(EAEU) will allow countering the anticipated economic slowdown in the countries
and the entire global system in 2024. President Tokayev noted that one of the
priority tasks is advancing technological cooperation among EAEU member states,
which is reflected in an adopted declaration. It is also essential to provide a
new impetus to the freedom of goods movement.
“We are faced with the task of
removing existing barriers and restrictions in the common market, as well as
expediting the implementation of unified technical regulations. Full-fledged
operation of the integrated information system of the EAEU would significantly
reduce business costs in cross-border trade. There is great potential for
productive cooperation in the e-commerce sector. Last year, the total volume of
this market in the EAEU reached $80 billion. In the near future, this figure
could grow twice, and even more. We should actively work on improving customs
procedures and creating an efficient and equitable ecosystem for online trade,”
Tokayev stressed.
EAEU member states need to
increase the share of agricultural exports on the global market. This entails
the development of logistics and storage, as well as the creation of
agro-innovation centers. As noted by President Tokayev, the EAEU should
solidify its status as a strategic link connecting the Eurasian space. He
proposed to implement projects, including the creation of a partnership network
of major ports, logistics centers, and postal hubs.
“First and foremost, the focus is
placed on developing the International North-South Transport Corridor with
access to the countries of the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan, and India. In this
regard, it is pleasant to note that the practical implementation of the Kazakh
initiative to launch the Chelyabinsk-Bolashak-Iran route is now underway. To
further develop the corridor, a joint venture of logistics companies from
Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan is being established. I propose that the
railway administrations of other union countries join this work,” the President
said.
Tokayev also focused on the IT
sphere, which is an integral part of the modern world. He proposed considering
the possibility of building an optical fiber communication line along the
Russia-Kazakhstan-Iran route to connect to international lines along the Indian
Ocean coast. This will strengthen the EAEU’s position at the global level. The
EAEU should also develop trade and economic relations with other countries and
alliances, such as Iran, with which member states have signed a full-format
free trade agreement. As noted by the Head of State, it is necessary to
continue efforts in this direction with such countries as India, the UAE,
Egypt, Indonesia, Mongolia, and others.
