Kazakhstan's Trade Minister discussed prospects for co-operation with the US Trade Representative

Minister of Trade of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev met with the Trade Representative, Ambassador of the United States of America Catherine Tye to discuss key areas of co-operation between the two countries.

The USA is one of Kazakhstan's strategic trade and investment partners, confidently occupying a place in the top 10 largest trading allies. Bilateral trade turnover between our countries continues to demonstrate positive dynamics. Kazakhstan is ready to increase non-resource exports to the U.S. in 90 commodity items worth $770.6 million.

During the meeting, Kazakhstan's trade minister raised the issue of cancelling the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which restricts trade relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would adopt the relevant decisions as soon as possible. The draft law on Jackson-Vanik amendment has already been supported by 33 members of the House of Representatives and is under consideration by the Subcommittee on Commerce of the Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

«We count on the soonest positive outcome of the work on the cancellation of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which will give a new impetus to the development of trade and economic relations between our countries», - said Arman Shakkaliev.

He also noted the important role of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) of the United States in strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations. For its part, Kazakhstan is ready to do all the necessary work to resume the application of the USA GSP.

USA Trade Representative, Ambassador Catherine Tye expressed optimism in the prospect of developing new trade relations and strengthening economic ties between the United States and Kazakhstan. According to her, the extension of the USA GSP programme will be considered by the USA Congress next year, and she is ready to assist Kazakhstan in this matter.

Arman Shakkaliev also discussed the regionalisation of trade in Central Asia, noting that the five countries act as one region, contributing to economic growth, stability and improving the well-being of the people of the region.

Supporting the WTO-ITC SheTrades initiative, the Minister of Trade of Kazakhstan proposed the creation of a «SheTrades Central Asia» hub in Almaty, a platform for women entrepreneurs to participate in global trade.

The importance of the Middle Corridor for exports and transit of goods from Central Asia is highlighted, and facilitation and unimpeded trade are recognised as key challenges. Kazakhstan is interested in joint development of soft infrastructure and upgrading the skills of seaport staff.