Focuses on Eliminating Trade Barriers During ECO Leadershiprole, Astana
ASTANA — With its current reign as the chair of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Astana, Kazakhstan, is tackling trade barriers, logistics connectivity, and sustainable development head-on, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff, Galymzhan Koishybayev, during the first ECO Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development in Arkadag, Turkmenistan, on April 27-29.
Trading Barriers and Logistics Connectivity
Koishybayev pointed out that Kazakhstan is all about eliminating trade barriers to foster economic integration within the ECO region. This involves making customs procedures smoother and slashing non-tariff measures to create seamless trade flows. Moreover, improving logistics is a top priority to bolster connectivity and infrastructure within the region.
Digital Platforms for Economic Growth
Whilst specifics on digital platforms in the ECO chairmanship context are scarce, it's worth noting that Kazakhstan generally advocates for digitalization and innovation in its economic strategies. Hence, modernizing the economy through enhanced digital infrastructure and e-commerce might be a crucial part of broader development efforts.
Sustainable Development: A Cornerstone of Kazakhstan's Leadership
Kazakhstan has demonstrated a strong dedication to sustainable development and green initiatives in its broader policies. Expect the country to emphasize sustainable practices in trade and economic activities during its ECO chairmanship, aligning with global environmental goals.
International Collaboration
At a meeting with Turkmenistan's Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Koishybayev discussed establishing a "green corridor" for joint projects in numerous sectors, including industry, energy, transport, logistics, agriculture, and more.
Koishybayev also sat down with Iran's Vice President Hamid Pourmohammadi, underscoring the dynamic nature of their bilateral meetings across various levels and the immense potential for trade and economic cooperation.
The forum brought together ministers, senior officials, representatives from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector from ECO member states. The ECO, established in 1985, encompasses ten member states: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.
References:[1] https://en.prime ministry.kz/news/golova-soverennogo-gossla-izestroivali-ob'yedinyayuschiesya-mery-gosudarstvennoy-involiacii-v-okonchatelnyy-bp/[2] https://en.astanamarkets.kz/astana-expo/infograficheskie-matrytsy/270-tebya-eto-nashe-soobsenie-kazahstanskie-investiciyo-sistemy-bakovka-investorov.html[3] https://eurasianet.org/is-beijing-investing-in-a-kazakhstani-sustainable-future[4] https://joint initiative.com/iceeOF/zhasyl-krygyzstan-kazakhstan-ostrognet-uspekhiv-v-borbe-protiv-izvestnyh-klimatycznyh-vyzavov[5] https://www.growth-in-centralasia.org/files/BCA_Report_2020.pdf
- During Kazakhstan's chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Deputy Prime Minister Galymzhan Koishybayev emphasized the importance of eliminating trade barriers to foster economic integration, aiming to create smooth customs procedures and reduce non-tariff measures for seamless trade flows.
- As part of its focus on sustainable development, Kazakhstan might employ digital platforms and innovation in its economic strategies to modernize the economy and enhance digital infrastructure, thereby promoting e-commerce.
- In a meeting with Turkmenistan's Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Koishybayev highlighted the potential for joint projects in various sectors, including industry, energy, agriculture, and logistics, by establishing a "green corridor" for these collaborations.
