Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany has extended an invitation to officials from Central Asian countries for talks in a concerted effort to strengthen economic ties. This move comes as Germany's trade relations with Russia have faced significant challenges following the war in Ukraine, leading to a nearly 40% decrease in German exports to Russia during the first seven months of 2023. Russia has consequently dropped from being Germany's 14th most important trading partner to the 36th position within a year, Reuters reported.
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The German Eastern Business Association has issued a statement welcoming Chancellor Scholz's initiative, noting that trade relations with eastern partner countries are currently undergoing a "profound reorganization." Cathrina Claas-Muehlhaeuser, the head of the association, expressed optimism about the growing importance of Central Asian and South Caucasus countries as alternative business locations and trading partners for Germany.
She also emphasized the need for greater European Union (EU) commitment to Central Asia and a constructive approach to addressing Russian sanctions evasion via countries in the region. Claas-Muehlhaeuser highlighted the willingness of regional actors to prevent sanctions from being circumvented. She cautioned against hasty condemnations or blanket sanctions against third countries, suggesting that such measures may not be effective in achieving their intended goals.
Earlier Daryo reported the substantial growth in German exports to Kyrgyzstan, marked by an extraordinary 1400% rise in the initial seven months of 2023 in contrast to the corresponding period in 2019, has garnered attention and initiated conversations regarding the fundamental drivers behind this remarkable expansion.
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