The Ministry of trade took part in the discussion of agri-food trade policy in Europe and Central Asia

On 21 October this year, Azamat Askaruly, Vice-minister of Trade and Integration, participated in a joint webinar organized by WTO and FAO to discuss the agricultural trade policy in Europe and Central Asia during and after COVID-19.

National and international experts and representatives of State bodies have attended in webinar. Experts exchanged views on trade policy measures adopted by countries to sustain the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The following key issues were highlighted at the webinar:
- Trade policies adopted by countries during the pandemic and their effectiveness;
- the role of trade policy in overcoming the consequences of COVID-19 in the agricultural sector and others. 
During the discussion, it was noted that a number of measures had been taken in many regions with respect to COVID-19, some of which were short-term and had been cancelled, but some of which could have a long-term impact. Experts also commented on the potential impact of the measures on trading partners as well as on World Trade Organization rules.

Azamat Askaruly, in turn, replied to the questions of the participants of the webinar and presented them with a set of measures taken in Kazakhstan to ensure food security and maintain the economy during the pandemic. In addition, the Speaker focused on the development of efficient distribution infrastructure for agricultural products, with further export.