Freight carriers demand compensation for delay at border

Freight carriers demand compensation from the government for the losses they incurred due to delay on the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border. Aidar Tursuniyazov, the Chairman of the Cargo Carriers Association, said today during the round table discussion.

According to him, the state should pay compensation to drivers. The cargo carriers are not satisfied with the actions of the deputies of the Parliament, who did not hold any meetings before the presidential elections, but did not go to Astana to resolve the disputed issues.

«We come to Russia from four sides. But from there we also transport goods to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Kazakhs, when we are standing in line, push out only our trucks, while Russian and Belorussian are passed. In addition, they collect 30,000-40,000 tenge each, sometimes up to 60,000 tenge, to just cross the border,» Aidar Tursuniyazov said.

The entrepreneur also said that the companies — exporters are suffering losses. Many dairy companies suspended production. They do not buy milk. They dismissed workers until the situation on the border is resolved.

«The Ministry of Economy has to create a commission, where businessmen could apply. Now the position of the Eurasian Economic Commission is not clear. We do not see any actions, we can not register an appeal. If we can not protect the rights in EEU, will we be able to defend our positions in the WTO? There are problems with obtaining a visa to China, there are also logistical problems,» the businessman complained.