The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan emphasized the need to eliminate trade barriers in the CIS countries.

Moscow. December 12. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - In Moscow, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektanov, participated in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event took place at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, where members of the delegations were also presented with engineering projects and scientific developments by students from CIS countries studying at Russian universities, as reported by the press service of the Kazakh government.

Speaking at the council meeting, Olzhas Bektanov emphasized that a quarter of Kazakhstan's foreign trade is with the markets of CIS countries. In this regard, there is a need for systematic identification and removal of existing barriers. The head of the government noted that the establishment of the intergovernmental program "Commonwealth Fair," initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will contribute to strengthening economic ties between CIS countries.

An important factor in the development of trade and economic cooperation is the expansion of transport corridors. Bektanov highlighted that the CIS plays a special role in transcontinental transport flows, particularly in the West-East and North-South directions. The concept developed by the Kazakh side for linking the main transport arteries of the CIS was submitted to the CIS Executive Committee in October 2024. This project will enhance the transport capacity of the Commonwealth countries.

Bektanov paid special attention to the issue of strengthening cooperation in the field of ecology. Preventing climate challenges and addressing their consequences contributes to sustainable regional and global development.

An example of successful regional cooperation in preserving unique natural ecosystems is the transboundary biosphere reserve "Altai." It was created through the joint efforts of Kazakhstan and Russia based on the Katon-Karagay National Nature Park and the Katun Biosphere Reserve. In 2017, it was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, becoming the first joint reserve in Asia. Today, scientific research is being conducted based on this unique project, conferences are held, and experience and developments are exchanged. Thus, a unique model of transboundary cooperation in the preservation of natural values has been developed in Altai based on specially protected areas," noted the Prime Minister.

Following the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a number of documents were signed, including those on cooperation in the development of civil shipbuilding and the production of ship equipment, in the field of digital transformation of the transport complex, and more.

The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS will take place in May 2025 in Dushanbe.