International trade - The Times Of Central Asia

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SPECA Countries’ Digitalization of Multimodal Data Exchange along Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

An international seminar on “Trade Facilitation and Digital Transformation of Multimodal Data and Document Exchange along the Trans-Caspian Corridor” was held in Aktau, Kazakhstan on June 11-12. Participants included the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the International Association “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” (TCITR), and partners including the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission of the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Central Asia. The seminar followed the adoption of the SPECA Roadmap for Digitalization of Multimodal Exchange of Data and Documents along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, using UN legal instruments and standards, at the Presidential Summit of participating States of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), back in November 2023, The workshop in Aktau, which brought together experts in trade, transport, and digitalization from fifteen countries, focused on the digitalization of multimodal exchange of data and documents along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, particularly in the ports of Baku (Azerbaijan), Aktau (Kazakhstan), and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan). During the event, reports were given on the implementation of UN standards for digitalization of international supply chains, port community systems, interoperability, and multimodal data exchange. A visit to Kuryk, organized by the Kazakh side, included a presentation of the port’s digitized system as well as ongoing work on transhipment and storage of cargo. The United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was launched in 1998 to strengthen sub-regional cooperation in Central Asia and its integration into the world economy. SPECA countries include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan's trade turnover with SPECA countries in 2023 amounted to $9 billion.

International trade Economy Export/Import US Investments

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tay Visits Uzbekistan

On June 11, President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev received U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tay. According to the president's press service, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade cooperation, during which it was noted that business relations have become more active alongside a steady growth in mutual trade and investment. Cooperation with Air Products, Coca-Cola, Citibank, Visa, and many other leading companies and banks in the USA is currently under development. The agenda addressed issues related to Uzbekistan's membership in the World Trade Organization, the restoration of the GSP system, the “C5+1” format, and deepening practical cooperation within the Agreement on Trade and Investments framework, and the importance of a joint platform for identifying new areas for industrial cooperation and promoting relevant projects was noted. During her visit, Katherine Tay also met Uzbekistan's Presidential Assistant, Saida Mirziyoyeva. Reporting on their dialogue, the Telegram channel wrote that the purpose of Uzbekistan's economic reforms was outlined, with particular emphasis on benefits afforded to the well-being of its people. Welcoming the dialogue, Mirziyoyeva said, “We intend to become a full-fledged participant of the international trade system, and rely on the support of the United States to accelerate the process of Uzbekistan becoming a member of the WTO."

International trade Livestock products Export Local Economy

Turkey Lifts Restrictions on Import of Livestock and Poultry Products from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced that from June 7, 2024, restrictions on the supply of Kazakh livestock and poultry products to the Turkish market have been lifted. The restrictions were originally made to prevent the spread of avian influenza, in 2005, foot-and-mouth disease, in 2016, and lumpy skin disease, in 2022. In March 2024, the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, Aidarbek Saparov, raised the issue of export barriers during the meeting of ministers of agriculture of the Organization of Turkic States in Taraz, Kazakhstan. At the time, Saparov explained that Kazakhstan was ready to supply high-quality meat products to Turkey as well as Turkmenistan and Hungary, but complained that the Turkish market was all but closed to Kazakh meat exporters due to veterinary concerns. Pleading his case, he continued, “This year, similar restrictions on Kazakhstan have been lifted by China and Russia. So, we believe it is now possible to revisit this issue with the Turkish side.” With the restrictions now lifted, the next step towards exporting Kazakhstan’s livestock products will involve the coordination of veterinary requirements with Turkish authorities. The issue will be addressed during Minister Saparov’s next visit to Turkey in August.

Eurasian Transport Network International trade International transport Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)

EDB Concept for Eurasian Transport Network

On 6 June, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) announced that it is preparing a concept for the Eurasian Transport Network aimed at enhancing connectivity across Eurasia and stimulating economic development, trade and mobility in the region. The EDB is a multilateral development bank with investments in the Eurasian states of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. The Eurasian Transport Network is a system of international transport corridors and routes spanning over 50,000 kilometres. In 2023, five key corridors — the Northern, Central and Southern Eurasian Corridors, TRACECA (including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) and the International North-South Transport Corridor — carried 260 million tons of freight and 3.6 million international containers. According to the EDB, container traffic has tripled over the past decade. Having mooted the notion of the Eurasian Transport Network back in 2021, the EDB is now poised to present a detailed concept of its development. Analysis has shown that the synergy of corridors is ensured not through their competition, but through the connection and complementarity nature of its routes. The concept includes ten key elements, including addressing Central Asia’s challenges by making the region a transport crossroads, focusing on intra-regional connectivity, and providing a strong impetus to realize the region’s vast agro-industrial potential through new logistics and specialized rolling stock. The EDB’s new report, titled The Eurasian Transport Network, also examines promising transport infrastructure development projects and initiatives, including cooperation between countries and multilateral development banks towards their implementation. The report will be launched at the EDB Business Forum, scheduled for 27–28 June 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

EU Cooperation International trade Transport cooperation

Central Asia – EU Political and Security Cooperation

On June 5, Brussels hosted the 11th round of the annual High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union and Central Asia. Chaired by Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service, the meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. As reported by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the agenda comprised the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between Central Asia and the EU, the dynamics of transport, trade, economic, energy and climate relations, and common security challenges regarding Afghanistan. Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, presented several initiatives relating to energy, trade and water resources management aimed at enhancing interregional cooperation with the EU. Outlining the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), he highlighted a program for continuous monitoring of the basin ecosystem. To be implemented over the next three years, the initiative will provide a mechanism for long-term intraregional cooperation on the Aral issue. Vassilenko also reiterated the need for Central Asian countries to synchronize efforts in the fields of effective irrigation, the operation of water and energy facilities, and the implementation of environmental measures. The European External Action Service reported that in turn, the EU had reaffirmed its willingness to support efforts to intensify its cooperation on security with Central Asia, especially in areas concerning management of water-related challenges, energy and climate change, and connectivity. The High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was the latest conference to be held within the context of increased engagement between Central Asia and the European Union. Central Asia’s Heads of State and the President of the European Council had previously met on 27 October 2022 and 2 June 2023. At a further EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg, the 27 EU Foreign Ministers adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia with concrete actions for strengthening cooperation, most notably regarding security. The EU and Central Asian countries are now planning the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit for later this year.

Tax International Cooperation International trade

Uzbekistan and Turkey Enhance Strategic Partnership

On June 3, Ankara hosted a symposium on "Uzbek-Turkish Strategic Relations – Comprehensive Perspectives for the Future". Aimed to forge conceptual strategies to enhance the partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkey, the event was attended by First Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Nozimjon Kholmuradov and officials from the Administration of the President of Turkey, heads of various ministries and agencies, as well as prominent political scientists and experts from both nations. Presentations highlighted the impressive momentum in trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey. Over the last five years, bilateral trade has surged 1.3-fold, the number of enterprises funded with Turkish capital in Uzbekistan has tripled to 1,898, and the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Turkey has increased ten-fold. In 2023, 260 new Uzbek-Turkish ventures were established, elevating Turkey to third place in the number of joint ventures in Uzbekistan. The frequency of regular flights connecting the two countries has also grown 2.5-fold to 90 flights per week. Initiatives by Uzbekistan to further refine its investment climate include a steady six percent annual economic growth, a nine percent reduction in inflation, the drafting of an updated "Law on Investments" in alignment with WTO standards and the deployment of an efficient management system for special economic zones (SEZs). In addition, plans are in place to trim tax rates and the number of taxes, launch an ambitious new privatization program and IPO for shares of major companies, and establish a Tashkent International Arbitration Center.