The meeting was also attended by the Presidents of Russia, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
The Head of the State noted the preparation of the EEU Customs Code; when developing it the observance of the interests of the participating countries’ citizens is given priority, as well as the creation of transparent and stable business rules.
- Despite the challenging external environment and through the joint efforts we have succeeded to move forward in implementation of the main priorities outlined by Kazakhstan at the beginning of the year. One of the key documents of our integration – the EEU Customs Code – is prepared for being inked, Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
Kazakhstan's President has also made point of finalization of the electricity market development program, arrangement of service sectors’ liberalization plan and beginning of the process for creating a shared EEU financial market.
The Head of the State stressed the strengthening of international cooperation during Kazakhstan's chairmanship.
- We have drastically come far in this direction. The agreement on free trade zone with Vietnam entered into force in October. The matter to begin negotiations on establishing similar zones with Iran, India, Singapore and Egypt is on the carpet. More than 25 memoranda of cooperation and interaction with various countries have been endorsed. The course is set for integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt with our Union. There is a search for common ground with the European Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that trade agreements with China and Israel are actively negotiated, and the states of South America are showing interest in the Union.
The Head of State said that the logical phase of activity to cultivate the EEU international economic relations is the Statement on the trade policy elaboration to outline the key principles of cooperation with foreign partners.
- Alongside with that we should not forget that the activity on trade agreements requires consistency, maximum pragmatic approach, taking into account the interests of all the Union members. It is essential to think through the structure of tariff commitments, a list of feasible exemptions, with due account for our resources and restrictions, working out all risks and opportunities, Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan pointed out a number of factors affecting the EEU activity, including the deterioration of global economic conditions and unresolved internal issues of the association.
- The overriding concern in dealing with challenging issues, first of all, should be the Eurasian Economic Commission. At present it is important to look under the crisis and to develop system-level and long-term solutions for building the EEU future strategy. In this connection it is necessary to create an anti-crisis council. If the leaders support, I propose to entrust the Commission, together with our governments, to consider the issue and take an appropriate decision, the Head of the State said.
In conclusion, Nursultan Nazarbayev wished the leadership of Kyrgyzstan a successful work as the EEU President.
