The 2nd European Union -Central Asia Economic Forum has started in Almaty

On May 18, 2023, the two-day 2nd European Union–Central Asia Economic Forum began in Almaty. On the first day, the participants shared their views on the practical problems faced by companies, as well as told about the priorities of business and governments aimed at unlocking the trade potential of the regions and promoting trade relations between the European Union and Central Asia.

In addition, the participants discussed advanced digital solutions implemented in Central Asia and the EU to stimulate business ties and expand economic ties between the two regions. Information about Central Asian Trade Academies is presented. In particular, about how universities, public institutions and private businesses from Central Asia are joining forces to help traders trade at the regional level and enter the EU market through innovative methods such as virtual learning spaces.

Also, with the participation of representatives of the public and private sectors of the Central Asian countries, the official launch of the regional trade facilitation portal "Info Trade Central Asia Gateway" took place, which will provide the business community with a cross-border overview of cross-border formalities along the corridors of Central Asia.

During the discussions and the launch of the portal, the Kazakh side was represented by the Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kairat Balykbayev, who noted that an important driver of increasing commodity flows is the well-established transport and logistics infrastructure and services. In this connection, international transport corridors are beginning to play an increasingly important role, capable of ensuring sustainable exports and capitalizing on transit potential. In this context, the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM) corridor is becoming increasingly relevant.

In addition, Mr. Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy General Director of JSC "Center for Trade Policy Development "Qaztrade", took part in the session "Smart Trade - Reengineering of business operations in the ESCA corridors".

The co-organizer of the first day of the Economic Forum is the International Trade Center, whose institutional partner is the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and JSC "Qaztrade".

In addition, on May 16-17, 2023, a regional round table on trade facilitation portals in Central Asia was held in Almaty, where reviews of the situation with National Trade Facilitation Portals were presented and problems in their implementation, opportunities, exchange of experience and further directions for the development of portals were discussed, as well as topical issues on simplification of trade procedures.