Kazakh Prime Minister Presents EAEU Cooperation Priorities
Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov Attended Eurasian Intergovernmental Council Meeting
Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov recently participated in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council’s meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Almaty on Feb. 2. Also present at the meeting were Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Chairman of the Russian government Mikhail Mishustin, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
Smailov highlighted the growing mutual trade between Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, which doubled from 2015 to 2022, reaching $85 billion. He also emphasized the importance of developing transit and transport infrastructure and industrial cooperation within the EAEU. Plans to launch a mechanism for financial assistance for joint projects this year were announced to promote business initiatives, increase mutual investments, and create new jobs.
In addition, Smailov emphasized the need to establish a common barrier-free market and ensure unimpeded transit of goods to third countries. He also proposed intensifying dialogue with third countries and international organizations of mutual economic interest.
Smailov also held bilateral meetings with counterparts of the EAEU member states during the event. Discussions focused on the progressive development of trade and economic interactions, including efforts to increase the volume of trade turnover between countries. Smailov also explored potential cooperation in various sectors, such as energy, transport, agriculture, and education.
Overall, the meeting provided an opportunity for EAEU member states to address key areas of cooperation and lay the groundwork for further economic integration in the region.
