Key stakeholders from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan gathered to discuss common issues and joint solutions to facilitate trade procedures with the subsequent deepening of intra-regional and international trade. Representatives of authorized bodies, departments and associations, as well as representatives of the European Union and International Trade Center.

Within the framework of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Center, a three-day regional meeting "From National Roadmaps to Regional Reforms" was organized. The institutional partner of the project in the Republic of Kazakhstan is JSC QazTrade .

It is noted that the countries of Central Asia are important trading partners of Kazakhstan, and we attach great importance to the further development and deepening of trade and economic relations, especially the development of trade between our countries.

“I would especially like to note the positive dynamics in trade between Kazakhstan and the countries of Central Asia. In 2021, the trade turnover amounted to $6.3 billion, which is 19.5% more than in 2019 ($5.3 billion) and 33.8% more than in 2020 ($4.7 billion). $),” said Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Asel Zhanasova.

She also noted that the Ministry of Trade and Integration pays great attention to the development and strengthening of cross-border cooperation in the Central Asian region, the measures taken can become a new incentive for deepening trade interaction between the countries. This will be facilitated by the construction of the International Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation "Central Asia" on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as the Cross-border Trade Center "Alatau" on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

 “Improving transport infrastructure and logistics, reducing cargo delays at the borders, reducing trade and transit tariffs in various countries of Central Asia will have a positive impact on the region's economy. The Ministry of Trade and Integration supports all trade facilitation initiatives proposed by the ITC and is ready to discuss them,” the Vice Minister concluded.

More than 80 participants from Central Asia and Europe discussed new trends and synergies in trade facilitation to deepen regional cooperation. The event provided a platform for reaching consensus on procedural simplification reforms that require bilateral and regional coordination and prioritization of their implementation within the Ready4Trade project.

As a reminder, Ready4Trade Central Asia aims to support the development of intra-regional and international trade in the five countries of Central Asia. The 4-year initiative is the trade component of a larger EU-funded program that aims to support investment, competitiveness and trade, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development in the region. The Ready4Trade project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Center.