Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk had a working meeting with Bakhyt Sultanov, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The parties discussed issues of economic cooperation of mutual interest to Russia and Kazakhstan.
They focussed on taxation, digital trade of commodities as well as establishing cooperative manufacturing chains in the Eurasian space.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Russia and Kazakhstan are traditionally bound by friendly relations steeped in common history and affinity between peoples.
“The heads of our states and governments are in constant communication, and officials from Russian ministries and departments interact with their Kazakh counterparts on all matters,” Alexei Overchuk stressed.
The participants noted that the effectiveness of cooperation can be seen in the high trade numbers.
“The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of Russia’s most important trading partners, and Russia is Kazakhstan’s top trade partner. In 2021, our countries managed to achieve unprecedented growth in trade at almost 35 percent to $25.6 billion,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
To further develop trade, industry, the agro-industrial complex, exhibition and fair activity, transport, fuel and the energy complex, environmental protection, the digital economy and international relations, an action plan was signed as part of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in February 2022 to implement the Comprehensive Programme for Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2021-2025.
Once implemented, this plan will contribute to sustainable growth in bilateral trade and the creation of a favourable environment for expanding economic cooperation.
Investment cooperation is on the rise. According to the Russian Central Bank, the volume of accumulated investment by Russia in Kazakhstan stood at $3.6 billion as of July 1, 2021.
“A number of major investment projects with Russian participation are being implemented in Kazakhstan’s automotive industry, railway engineering, agricultural engineering, nuclear energy, and the chemical industry. Sputnik V vaccine production has been localised in the Karaganda region. Agreements were reached to build a number of major production sites. The Agroexpress project, which provides for fast container rail transport of agricultural products, is among the promising practical steps in our cooperation. The project will help our countries establish a consistent supply of fresh produce at affordable prices,” Alexei Overchuk said.
With regard to cooperation in the energy sector, Mr Overchuk mentioned the possibility of implementing joint hydrogen energy projects.
The Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan pay special attention to holding major international forums. The work in this sphere was referred to as a good driver for promoting economic interaction between the two countries’ business communities.
“Our countries’ leaders praised the 17th Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan held after almost a two-year break (28-30 September 2021), on the environment and expanding the green economy. This is a key platform for our interregional dialogue. This year we plan to hold the 18th Interregional Cooperation Forum in Orenburg with the heads of state. The theme is important: Lifting Infrastructure Barriers on International Trade. This mainly includes issues of comprehensive development in the transport and logistics industries. The border regions play a key role here,” the deputy prime minister said.
In his speech Mr Overchuk added that the two countries signed the Interregional and Cross-Border Cooperation Programme for 2021-2023 between the Russian Federation and the Government of Kazakhstan in order to update the areas of interregional cooperation between the two countries, and they approved the action plan to implement this programme as well as a list of prospective regional initiatives.
“We will provide comprehensive support for regional state bodies, organisations and companies as they implement project initiatives,” Alexei Overchuk said.
The development of the cultural component plays an important role in strengthening cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Large events prepared by the two countries’ culture ministries are the main drivers of cooperation in culture and art.
“We are thankful to the Kazakhstani side for helping to organise the Days of Russian Culture in Kazakhstan, which have once again proven that our countries’ cultural partnership is based on mutual respect for the historical and national traditions of Russia and Kazakhstan and is also aimed at preserving our common heritage. We welcome and support President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s idea to establish an international organisation on the preservation and promotion of the Russian language. This year the Russian Ministry of Culture also plans to implement a new international programme: an inter-museum forum that has proven to be an effective platform on which to present proposals for cooperation and promotion of museums in the modern art space,” the deputy prime minister said.
Cooperation in sports between Russia and the Republic of Kazakhstan is also developing dynamically.
“The inter-agency Programme of Cooperation in Fitness and Sports for 2021-2023 is being carried out. The number of Russian athletes and coaches planning to travel to Kazakhstan in 2022 to take part in sports events has almost doubled compared with last year. We regard this as a good trend, including to expand direct contact between the sports federations of Russia and Kazakhstan,” the deputy prime minister said.
Alexei Overchuk stressed that Russia and Kazakhstan are two nuclei in the Eurasian integration project that has been underway for many centuries.
“Consolidation of the Eurasian space based on common cultural, humanitarian and linguistic factors creates a solid foundation for cooperation in all areas. Integration rapprochement helps harmonise regulation, expands business activity, and creates new jobs. Ultimately, all of this work is aimed at improving the quality of life in our countries,” the deputy prime minister said.
Following the meeting, the sides signed a final statement from the 23rd Russia-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.
