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Jeenbekov about EEU development: There are achievements, but also problems

«Eurasian integration has always been a priority in the foreign economic policy of the Kyrgyz Republic,» the President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov said in Sochi (Russia) at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in an expanded format.

«Despite the positive changes, we still have many issues to solve, including by improving the provisions of the Union Treaty. It is necessary to strive for ensuring equal rights and social guarantees for migrant workers in our integration association. During our chairmanship, we have done significant work within the Union to create conditions for successful business and eliminate internal trade restrictions. A clear confirmation of the positive results of our joint efforts in this direction is an increase in the volume of mutual trade of the member states in 2017 by 26 percent,» said Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

The head of state stressed that the issue of timely fulfillment of tasks within the digital agenda deserves special attention.

«It is necessary to take into account the potential of EEU countries in introducing digital technologies for marking and tracking of goods. I believe that the tracking mechanisms should be synchronized and implemented step by step, especially taking into account the burden on small and medium-sized businesses,» said Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

He also drew attention to the trend of tightening the so-called trade wars throughout the world.

«The geopolitical tensions growth can undermine all the results that we have achieved within the framework of Eurasian integration,» Sooronbai Jeenbekov stressed. «We must move away from domestic competition and work together on the international scene. Only by deepening and expanding our integration, we can disclose the entire economic potential of our countries.»

At the same time, Sooronbai Jeenbekov expressed confidence that joint work to expand the trade and economic ties of the Eurasian Economic Union with third countries, including China, India and Singapore, was of strategic importance.

A major step in the provision of services within the EEU was the inclusion in the single market the services of tour operators and travel agencies. It is important to continue work on the creation of a single services market.

Special attention should be paid to the development of projects that create regional production chains for the development of cooperation ties between our countries. To finance such projects, the activities of the Eurasian Development Bank should be strengthened. We should have a really functioning financial institution for the development of EEU, aimed at deepening the integration processes," the head of Kyrgyzstan said.

He stressed that it is necessary to move forward, but there are still issues that remain unresolved since the day of Kyrgyzstan’s accession to EEU.

«Speaking of obstacles and barriers, we want to say that it is necessary to entrust the commission with additional competencies for the prompt resolution of disputable situations in the movement of goods. The commission should be active and firm in resolving problem issues, arising between the member states of the union,» said Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic drew attention to the issues of bureaucratization in the EEU bodies and noted that decision-making within the union should be rapid, flexible and mobile. The process should be transparent and understandable, including for business, which turns to the Eurasian Economic Commission for support.

«The commission should effectively resolve conflict situations and monitor the implementation of the relevant obligations. I propose to instruct the commission to develop concrete proposals in this direction and submit them for our decision,» he said.

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