A regular meeting of the CIS Heads of Government Council was held at the Ala-Archa state residence in Bishkek, El.kz reports citing primeminister.kz.
Kazakh PM Alikhan Smailov noted that CIS member countries manage to maintain positive dynamics in mutual trade despite on global challenges “which is ensured mainly through the joint implementation of the Free Trade Zone Agreement, which underlay successful development of integration ties within the CIS”.
“At the October Summit of the CIS Heads of State, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of eliminating trade barriers, creating favorable tariff conditions and simplifying administrative procedures. In this context, the early entry into force of the Agreement on Free Trade in Services seems important. This document will enable us to bring our interaction to a brand-new level,” the Prime Minister said.
In his words, the key task for member states should be all-round strengthening of industrial cooperation.
“The implementation of the Industrial Cooperation Concept and the package of measures for its development in the CIS member states will give a new impetus to our economies and will allow us to fully implement the plans,” he noted.
Alikhan Smailov added that the joint development of transit and transport routes is also an indicator of dynamic and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. In this regard, the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the North-South Corridor is of great importance.
"It is important to find points of conjugation of these transit routes with the global project "One Belt, One Road". Kazakhstan, for its part, is ready to work together," Alikhan Smailov emphasized.
According to him, along with the promotion of the economic agenda, it is important to develop cultural and humanitarian ties. Today, relevant programs and concepts are being adopted in this direction, and large-scale cultural projects of the CIS are being implemented.
"At today's meeting, we are adopting an Action Plan for the Year of Volunteer Movement in the CIS in 2024. I am confident that such kind and noble initiatives will continue to contribute to maintaining a positive image of the CIS, contributing to the strengthening of centuries-old ties of friendship between our peoples," the Prime Minister concluded.
The meeting ended with signing a number of documents, aimed at strengthening cooperation in geodesy, cartography and geoinformation technologies, mining and metallurgical industry, IT and many others.