EAEU summit to launch in Bishkek tomorrow

13 апреля 2017

By Olga Makei: The EAEU leaders are expected to hold talks both as the Eurasian Five and at bilateral meetings at tomorrow’s EAEU summit in Bishkek.

One of the most important integration topics is restoring previous trade levels between the countries. For example, Belarus' trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan, the current EAEU chair, has decreased by 10% over the past year. However, exports to Kyrgyzstan increased already in early 2017.

Belarus is ready to participate in major infrastructure projects, provide its construction and quarry equipment and upd ate passenger transport fleets. In addition, an MTZ tractor assembly plant was launched in Bishkek less than six months ago. A service center is also operating there. There are plans to se t up a joint venture for producing combine harvesters and mining equipment and launch a yeast production plant. The implementation of the large-scale projects has been entrusted to new ambassador Andrei Strachko, who was appointed to this post by the President a month ago.

The agenda of tomorrow's meeting includes issues related to macroeconomy and customs regulation. In addition, the politicians plan to discuss amendments to Eurasian Economic Commission regulations. One of the topics is cooperation with third countries. The leaders will also consider Moldova's application to become an EAEU observer.

About 40 countries are already interested in the Eurasian integration association. A free trade zone has been established with Vietnam. India has recently expressed willingness to start negotiations on this kind of cooperation. Tomorrow, the leaders will discuss cooperation with Iran in such a format. According to experts, free trade zones with significant world economy players will be beneficial for all EAEU participants.