On April 9, 2024, in Brussels the 7th meeting of the RK-EU Cooperation Committee in a trade configuration chaired by the Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of the RK Kairat Torebaev and Acting Director of Directorate E in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Chief Advisor to the Director-General, Management with Southern Neighbors, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia Leon Delvaux.
Speakers from government bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU were connected online; representatives of the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Agriculture, JSC CRTP QazTrade and JSC Kazstandard took part from the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At the 7th meeting of the Committee, a wide range of issues were discussed: trade and investment developments and trends; implementation of the trade section of the EPCA; implementation of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project; sanitary and phytosanitary measures, including expanding the range of Kazakhstani goods supplied to the EU market; list of export enterprises; recognition of disease regionalization measures in the EU; questions from the High-Level Mission of the Commissioner for Agriculture Wojciechowski.
The importance of interaction in the field of technical regulation, standardization, and metrology was noted.
Moreover, following the results of the 7th meeting, an agreement was reached on the arbitrators in accordance with Article 196 of the EPCA.
Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebayev during a trip to Brussels discussed with Chief Operating Officer Piet Demunter and Director of the Regional Division of the Flanders Investment and Trade Agency De Potter the expansion of business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Belgium.
At the meeting Kairat Torebayev paid considerable attention to the export potential of Kazakhstan, and also told the partners about the tools to support and promote exports in our country.
Thus, the Export Credit Agency is engaged in insurance and financing of foreign trade operations of enterprises. The single operator «QazTrade» JSC provides services to exporters of goods and service providers, and is actively working to expand the geography of export destinations (including China, EAEU countries and Central Asia). The Central Asia Gateway trade portal was created for participants of foreign economic activity from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It was developed within the framework of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Center with technical support from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The portal brings together data from national trade facilitation websites in these countries and provides businesses with easy access to product-specific information on cross-border trade requirements.
In turn, Piet Demunter and De Pitter shared the results of a successful business mission to Kazakhstan in 2023. The parties agreed to jointly organize a business mission with the participation of 20 Belgian and Kazakh companies and «QazTrade» CTPD» JSC at the end of May 2024.
The speakers emphasized that the activities of the Belgian side in Kazakhstan is in an active phase and invited Kairat Torebayev to participate in the upcoming trade and economic mission to be held in Belgium.
On April 8, 2024, in Brussels, the Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebaev met with the director and head of the department «State Visits and Belgian Economic Missions» of the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency Rose Donсk.
The parties discussed the volumes of bilateral trade turnover and agreed that the level of trade does not correspond to the existing potential.
Kairat Torebaev noted that the Ministry has been designated as the operator for the development and promotion of exports. Based on the experience of advanced countries, exporters of Kazakhstani goods and services, through the established Export Credit Agency, can receive a full range of insurance and financial support measures at all stages of the export cycle.
Rose Donсk reported that the last economic mission of Belgium to Kazakhstan took place in 2010. At the same time, the Agency considers organizing an economic mission to Kazakhstan in the near future. R. Donck noted that the Agency plans to prepare a business seminar on opportunities in Kazakhstan for about 200 belgian companies. She also spoke about the activities and functionality of the agency around the world.
Kairat Torebaev informed about the functioning of the Ready4Trade portal and invited Rose Donk to take part in the Astana International Forum on June 13-14, 2024 in Astana.
Following the meeting, the Parties agreed to jointly work on a business forum with the participation of 200 enterprises from the two countries this year in Belgium.
International experience in the field of decarbonization of the economy was discussed by representatives of the public sector, business, and experts at a seminar for Kazakhstani industrial exporters under the auspices of the OECD- SIPA and QazTrade.
From 2026, European countries are moving to transboundary carbon regulation. The new carbon tax will also apply to export products of Kazakh enterprises. From January 1, 2024, there is a transition period for business; after this period, increased environmental payments for emissions will affect 6 industrial sectors. This is the production of ferrous metals and aluminum, cement, fertilizers, hydrogen and electricity.
As Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mansur Oshurbayev informed, the introduction of a border carbon mechanism involves a large amount of work together with the supervising ministries and industrialists. An interdepartmental working group has already been created, which will quickly develop proposals and determine what risks there are for the Kazakh enterprises.
According to Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy Director General of QazTrade JSC, the EU Green Deal and the introduction of the carbon border adjustment tax are both relevant to Kazakhstan’s realities. Our countries have an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which covers a wide range of areas and joint initiatives. Since last year, QazTrade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Integration, has been conducting awareness-raising activities on carbon taxation for export-oriented companies.
«Our producers have questions related to the new cross-border tax initiative. We support the EU’s goals for sustainable development and decarbonization, but these goals should not create obstacles to international trade», - said Nurlan Kulbatyrov.
Today, EU countries account for 39% of Kazakhstan's exports. This includes oil, petroleum products, ferroalloys, coal, uranium, wheat and other goods. Trade volumes among European countries show positive dynamics. In 2023, Kazakhstan exported $41.4 billion worth of products to the EU, of which $388.7 mln were carbon-intensive goods.
Senior expert of the General Directorate for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission Delfine Sallard explained at the seminar that cross-border regulation will mainly affect the domestic iron and steel and aluminum sectors, which accounted for about 0.9% and 0.8% of Kazakhstan's total export value to the EU in 2022. European experts expect an increase in supplies of Kazakhstani goods with a high carbon component.
At the first stage, industrial enterprises will be required to submit quarterly reports to the European Commission containing information on export volumes, greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and quotas used. Changes can be made to reports within two months after the reporting quarter.
After 2025, carbon regulation will come into force, and free quotas will gradually be leveled out. In the meantime, according to Delfine Sallard, the payments will initially target direct emissions, but could later be extended to other sectors at risk of carbon leakage, such as oil refining and chemicals.
Head of the OECD International Programme for Action on Climate Rodrigo Pizarro spoke on what the price for carbon quotas is formed from, as well as what the emissions trading system is. According to Rodrigo Pizarro, the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is aimed at solving global environmental problems.
Kazakhstan has a target of reducing net emissions to 328.4 mln tons of carbon by 2030 and reducing emissions by 25% compared to 1990 levels, subject to international support. As OECD experts explain, this means that by 2030 Kazakhstan needs to reduce the share of coal generation from 65% to 40% and increase the share of renewable energy sources from 10% to 24%.
During the seminar, Ainur Amirbekova, Director of the International Integration Department of QazTrade JSC, listed the challenges and risks that Kazakh industrialists may face in the coming years. The introduction of a carbon tax by EU countries will automatically affect the cost of exported goods, and therefore the competitiveness of products. The increased price could hypothetically close some markets to domestic goods. This means that enterprises should start working on decarbonization and transition to alternative technologies now.
«The higher the hydrocarbon component in Kazakhstan’s exports, the higher the taxes and fees will be in importing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an action plan for the modernization of technological production processes, to provide funds for their implementation, including budget funds», - said Ainur Amirbekova.
For their part, experts from the European Commission, together with QazTrade, are ready to carry out further work on training exporters, provide analytical support and support for negotiations, and also adapt export strategies of exporters taking into account greening measures.
The first meeting in the format of trade negotiations between Benelux and Kazakhstan took place on February 15, 2024, at Nazarbayev University. Participants presented an overview of the results of trade turnover between the EU countries and discussed future prospects for the development of trade and investments.
The event was organized by "QazTrade" Trade Policy Development Center and the Chamber of Commerce of the Benelux region. The joint initiative of the partners to strengthen cooperation and expand trade interaction received a broad response from government and business representatives. Guests included ambassadors from the Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of Netherlands, KazakhExport, representatives from the business sector, researchers and members of academia from Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business.
As noted by Denis Van den Weghe, president of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce, Kazakhstan, as the economic leader of the Central Asian region, seeks to contribute to the recovery and improvement of global trade. In 2015, an Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation was signed between Kazakhstan and the European Union. These agreements positively impacted the strengthening of bilateral relations, reflected in the expansion of export-import shipments.
In 2023, the total trade volume between Kazakhstan and EU countries reached $41.4 billion, a 3.5% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Kazakhstan's exports to the European market slightly decreased to $31 billion, while imports to Kazakhstan increased to $10.4 billion. Belgium and the Netherlands, members of the Benelux, are key trading partners of Kazakhstan in the EU, accounting for the majority of investments.
According to Denis Van den Weih, Kazakhstan possesses good potential for trade expansion, necessary resources, and a strategic location. The development of the Trans-Caspian transit route could play a significant role in this process. The Middle Corridor, in the future, could become a viable alternative to the Northern Corridor in the context of supply chain restructuring, benefiting Kazakhstan, Benelux countries, and the EU.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Kazakhstan, Henri Vantieghem, highlighted Kazakhstan's significant opportunities in developing trade flows through the Middle Corridor, emphasizing the ease of transportation connections to the Benelux region and other European countries.
The successful development of the Middle Corridor will help Kazakhstan increase exports in metallurgical, chemical, machinery, construction, and pharmaceutical industries, with a potential export growth to the EU of $2.3 billion. In turn, EU and Benelux countries will be able to expedite their goods to Kazakhstan through the optimization of processes along the Middle Corridor.
On their part, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan, Nico Schermers, emphasized the importance of a stable legal system, transparency, and unified norms and standards to ensure smooth trade. This will contribute to attracting additional businesses and boost the momentum of export-import shipments.
During the trade panel session between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries, Ainur Amirbekova, the Director of the Department of International Integration at "QazTrade" Center for Trade Policy Development, discussed measures of government support for non-commodity exporters. Currently, in Kazakhstan, while strictly adhering to WTO legislation, non-commodity exporters and producers affiliated with QazTrade of the Ministry of Trade and Integration receive non-financial and service support measures. Specifically, there are programs for export promotion and introducing Kazakhstani manufacturers to international marketplaces. Trade and economic missions are organized for promising exporters to priority countries to showcase goods and services and seek new partners. Through the export credit agency KazakhExport, Kazakh enterprises have access to financial support instruments, including export financing.
In conclusion, the meeting participants reached the consensus that to develop relations between the Benelux region and Kazakhstan, it is necessary to diversify trade flows between our countries. This will lead to an increase in the export of goods and services, benefiting all parties involved. Additionally, Kazakhstan is interested in expanding its partnership with the Benelux countries and is ready to collaborate in the fields of technology, research, and innovation to exchange expertise, implement joint projects, and develop new industries.
The OECD has published the Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI). According to the report, Kazakhstan was among the three countries that carried out the greatest liberalization of policy reforms in the field of trade in services .
The Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) provides annually updated information on the rules affecting trade in services in 50 countries and 22 service sectors.
A new OECD report highlights key policy changes up to 2024, as well as the latest trends affecting trade in services and digital trade. It also highlights best practices and countries that are leading the way in service sector reforms.
As Deputy General Director of «QazTrade» Center for Trade and Trade» JSC, Nurlan Kulbatyrov explained, the OECD traditionally updates the OECD Services Trade Restriction Index in February.
“In simple terms, STRI is a tool for monitoring trade policy in the services sector. Kazakhstan was included in the list of countries for which the index is calculated in November 2018 as part of the Country Cooperation Program with the OECD. The index allows us to determine the level of openness or closedness of the market for trade in services, which is one of the key elements of negotiations within the framework of free trade agreements in the direction of trade in services” - Nurlan Kulbatyrov noted.
Thus, the top ten countries with the best STRI regulation indicators in 2023 included Japan, Spain, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Latvia, Denmark, Germany, Australia and Chile. Thirty of the 50 countries included in the sample have a higher average STRI than the OECD average. Thailand, Indonesia and the Russian Federation have the highest average STRI among countries.
Between 2014 and 2023, Brazil, Indonesia and Kazakhstan were the three countries that liberalized political reforms the most. During this time, Kazakhstan implemented a number of measures to simplify trade in services. Some of these liberalization measures are cross-cutting and include the removal of quotas and labor market tests for the relocation of service providers, as well as increased regulatory transparency.
The STRI also helps trade negotiators identify barriers to trade, benchmark domestic policies against global best practices, and acts as a source of regulatory transparency for businesses seeking to expand into foreign markets.
According to the OECD, barriers to services trade continue to be high in all countries and sectors, influenced by global economic and geopolitical challenges. The situation has become more complex with the introduction of new policies in 2023 affecting the supply of services through commercial presence and foreign investment. Several countries introduced new foreign investment screening mechanisms or revised existing ones, establishing tighter scrutiny of investment in sectors such as computer services, telecommunications, broadcasting, transport, and commercial banking. Moreover, the tightening of rules on cross-border data flows (e.g. in Viet Nam) and introduction of entry limits for foreign e-commerce platforms (e.g. in Indonesia) added to the challenges faced by services providers, especially in ICT services sectors. Other more targeted tightening policies were identified in some sectors such as transport and telecommunications services.
OECD experts presented new reports on Trade Facilitation in Central Asia and on Realising the Potential of the Middle Corridor at a business breakfast with the participation of heads of the Ministry of Trade and Integration and ambassadors of OECD countries. The Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with QazTrade, is a partner of the OECD project on trade and transport connectivity of the Central Asian countries.
In its work, the OECD focused on the development of trade relations among Central Asian countries and Kazakhstan's export ecosystem. According to the OECD, countries in the region have achieved positive results in simplifying and optimizing trade procedures and automating customs operations.
Opening the event, William Tompson, Head of the OECD Eurasia Division, noted that addressing the challenges caused by geopolitical events requires the countries of the region to further integrate both at the regional and international levels, upgrade existing infrastructure, and remove barriers to trade. In that regard, trade facilitation plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by reducing trade costs and fostering integration.
As the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, said at the meeting, the mutual trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the Central Asian countries is growing. The leading trading players in the region are Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Moreover, Kazakhstan accounts for over half of the volume of foreign trade operations with OECD countries.
«For Kazakhstan, as one of the largest partners of Central Asian сcountries, it is important to follow OECD principles and standards in various sectors of the economy. As part of the project, we are doing a lot of work to strengthen and develop regional trade connectivity. In this context, special priority is given to strengthening Kazakhstan's competitive economy and export ecosystem», - the Minister stressed
Gregory Lecomte, Head of Central Asia Unit, presented the key points of the reports on trade and transport connectivity of Central Asian countries and provided recommendations for further improvement of trade procedures.
In general, despite the region's improvement in trade facilitation indicators, it is recommended to continue working to improve access to documentation, boost digitalization in trade-related procedures, and build up infrastructure to enhance intra-regional trade and inter-regional freight of goods.
«In particular, Kazakhstan is recommended to expand the existing structures of the single window service and reduce compliance costs», - said Mr. Lecomte
During the event, participants stressed the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), the Middle Corridor.
Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Kazakhstan Egidijus Navikas noted that connecting Central Asia and Europe through the Middle Corridor is one of the main tasks in ensuring the transit of goods.
In turn, Kairat Torebayev, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, shared information about the region's dynamic development of transport logistics. In recent years, cargo deliveries to Europe have increased through the TMTM, which passes territories of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Thus, the volume of cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor increased by 1.8 times; only in 2023, 2.8 million tons of cargo were transported through the TMTM. The increase was 86% compared to the previous year.
The OECD report on the potential of the Middle Corridor includes infrastructure development along the route and related services. In addition to the transit functions of TMTM, the promotion of exports of goods and services is of particular importance for Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and QazTrade are actively working to simplify trade procedures and continue to expand trade cooperation with Central Asian countries.
According to Deputy General Director of «QazTrade» JSC Nurlan Kulbatyrov, the implementation of OECD recommendations and transition to paperless trade will lead to an increase in trade turnover by 30% in the medium term, which is a priority indicator for Kazakhstan. He also noted that Kazakhstan participates in all OECD analytical activities in trade. These include the OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI), the OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators and the Trade in Value-added (TiVA).
At the end of the business meeting, the participants expressed confidence in further strengthening cooperation on the current agenda and deepening collaboration in critical areas.
Acceptance of documents and applications of candidates for the qualification selection will be carried out until March 31, 2024.
The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan announces the start of the qualification selection of candidates for vacant positions of employees of the Eurasian Economic Commission
(in accordance with the Order of the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 4, 2022
№ 280 - NK «On approval of the Rules of qualification selection of candidates for vacant positions of employees of the Eurasian Economic Commission commissions»).
Qualification selection is carried out from among the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan who wish to participate in the competitive selection for vacant positions held by the Eurasian Economic Commission
(hereinafter referred to as the EEC).
Citizens of the EAEU member states who have reached the age of 18 have the right to participate in the competition.
To participate in the qualification selection, candidates submit the following documents to the authorized body:
1) an application in any form containing the full surname, first name, patronymic (if any), indicating the structural unit(s) of the Eurasian Economic Commission, for which he/she is applying for vacant positions, postal address, e-mail address, phone number;
2) a copy of the passport or identity card;
3) copies of documents confirming qualifications (notarized or certified by personnel services at the candidate's place of work (service)):
documents on education, on additional professional education, on awarding an academic degree, academic title (if any);
employment record or documents confirming employment;
4) certificate of no criminal record;
5) the candidate's questionnaire with the attachment of 2 (two) photos in accordance with the format and requirements published on the official website of the Eurasian Economic Commission. (Appendix 1).
Participants need to send a package of documents to the email address ar.omarova@mti.gov.kz marked «Participation in the selection».
Information about vacant positions is posted on the official website of the organization in the «Vacancies» section, https://eec.eaunion.org/comission/vacancies/
The form of evaluation of candidates is an interview.
In case of a positive passage, the candidate will be given a recommendation by the authorized body, which is subsequently submitted by this candidate to the EEC.
Receiving a recommendation from an authorized body is not a mandatory procedurefor participating in a competition to fill a vacant position in the EEC, but when passing the competition, candidates with a recommendation will be given preference.
The results of the qualification selection for the vacant positions of the EEC staff will be published on the Internet resource of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebayev spoke at the country session of the 10th Global Summit «Vibrant Gujarat», which is being held in India from January 10 to 12, 2024. The theme of the summit is «Industry 4.0 – the Industrial Revolution, Technology and Innovation: Fostering Inclusive Growth and Moving Towards Sustainable Development».
The Gujarat Summit has been held in Gandhinagar since 2003 on the initiative of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. On its platform, the participating countries discuss issues of socio-economic development and promising projects for foreign investment.
In February, Kazakhstan and India will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our countries interact within the framework of such major international organizations as the UN, SCO, CICA, and the Central Asia – India Dialogue. Trade relations between Kazakhstan and India continue to develop. In 2022, the mutual trade turnover reached 2.5 billion dollars. At the same time, for 10 months of 2023, the volume of trade between our countries decreased to $ 811.2 mln, which corresponds to the level of the pandemic in 2020-21.
«Kazakhstan is the main trade partner of India among the Central Asian countries and is ready to further increase the trade turnover in the amount of $148.1 mln. Having significant natural resources in the energy sector, our country is a reliable partner for India in ensuring the supply of oil, gas and other energy resources. In turn, the capacious Indian market is interesting for Kazakhstan's exporters of goods and services», - Kairat Torebayev said in his speech.
In particular, Kazakh enterprises can increase the supply of products from the metallurgical, chemical, food, construction and machine-building industries.
During the plenary session, the Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan expressed the need to deepen cooperation between our countries, as well as increase mutual investments and implement joint projects in areas with great potential for growth. Projects in the areas of digitalization, innovation, healthcare, education, and tourism may be the most promising areas for expanding cooperation.
Today, about 400 legal entities with Indian capital are registered in Kazakhstan. The inflow of foreign direct investment from India to Kazakhstan over the past 25 years amounted to $ 414 mln.
For its part, our country creates all conditions for attracting Indian investors and developing mutually beneficial business ties. Kazakhstan lifted entry restrictions, resumed visa-free travel for citizens of 91 countries, and launched a service for issuing electronic visas through the Visa-Migration Portal of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Starting from 2022, a visa-free 14-day regime has been opened for Indian citizens.
On the sidelines of the Gujarat summit, Kairat Torebayev discussed with representatives of the Indian side the holding of the 15th meeting of the Kazakh-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Industrial and Cultural Cooperation in Astana. The previous IGC meeting was held in June 2022 in New Delhi.
For reference:
In January-October 2023, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and India amounted to $ 811.2 mln, exports – $ 312.7 mln, imports - $ 498.5 mln. The decline in Kazakhstan's exports is due to a decrease in oil supplies to India.
Kazakhstan exports crude oil, hydrogen, inert gases and other non-metals, asbestos, and ferroalloys to India. The main goods of Indian imports are medicines, aircraft, equipment for sorting and grinding soil, telephone sets, tea.
On December 25, 2023, on the margins of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg, a free trade agreement was signed between the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states, on the one hand, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the other.
The agreement provides a duty-free trade regime for a wide part of the commodity nomenclature - more than 90%.
Provision of duty-free trade regime will create favorable conditions for the entry of both agricultural and industrial Kazakhstani goods to the Iranian market. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of guaranteed duty-free supplies of Kazakh grain to Iran within the limits of tariff quotas.
In addition to establishing a preferential trade regime, the agreement regulates such trade aspects as the application of safeguard measures, cooperation on technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs cooperation, rules of origin, and dispute settlement.
Moreover, the agreement provides for agreements on ensuring transparency in public procurement, as well as agreements on the development of sectoral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, among which special attention is paid to the transport and logistics sector.
Formation of a full-scale preferential trade regime, regulation of a wide range of issues within the framework of the agreement will allow to realize the undiscovered potential of mutual trade and bring trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Iran to a qualitatively new level.
It should be noted that Iran is a large and promising market with a population of more than 85 million people, and also has a significant transit potential with a developed infrastructure of the Persian Gulf. The agreement will be a serious step in the development of the North-South transport corridor, namely, it will create prerequisites for the implementation of major joint projects in various sectors of the economy, increase mutual foreign direct investment, and build up active economic cooperation between the parties to the agreement.
According to the results of 2022 trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran amounted to 521.4 million USA dollars. The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran amounted to $521.4 million, which is 18.3% higher than in 2021. At the same time, the share of exports from Kazakhstan to Iran amounted to 309.7 million dollars. The exports from Kazakhstan to Iran amounted to $309.7 million, an increase of 12.5% compared to last year. Imports from Iran to Kazakhstan amounted to 211.7 million USA dollars. Mutual trade with Iran has great potential for growth and the Agreement is designed to realize it.