In a move to enhance trade and transport connectivity, the government of Kazakhstan and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have intensified their collaboration, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan reported. The milestone event took place during a business breakfast attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Integration and ambassadors of OECD countries.
At the gathering, OECD experts presented new reviews on critical topics, namely "Trade Facilitation in Central Asia" and "Realizing the Potential of the Middle Corridor." The Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with QazTrade, is a key partner in the OECD project on trade and transport connectivity in the Central Asian region.
The OECD's focus on developing trade relations between Central Asian states and the export ecosystem of Kazakhstan revealed positive results in simplifying and optimizing trade procedures. The organization commended the region's achievements in automating customs operations, crucial for efficient trade facilitation.
Addressing the attendees, William Thompson, Head of the OECD Eurasia Division, emphasized the need for countries in the region to integrate further, both regionally and internationally. Thompson stressed the importance of modernizing infrastructure and removing barriers to trade, with a particular focus on the role of trade facilitation in achieving these objectives.
Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the growing mutual trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, as one of the region's major partners, is committed to following OECD principles and standards across various economic sectors. The minister underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen and develop trade connectivity within the region, with a special focus on enhancing Kazakhstan's competitive economy and export ecosystem.
“As part of the project, we are doing a lot of work to strengthen and develop regional trade connectivity. In this context, special priority is given to strengthening Kazakhstan's competitive economy and export ecosystem,” Minister Shakkaliyev noted.
Gregory Lecomte, Head of the Central Asia Division, Eurasia Department of the OECD, presented key points from the reviews on trade and transport connectivity in the Central Asian region. Recommendations included improving access to documentation, encouraging digitalization in trade-related procedures, and further developing infrastructure. Lecomte specifically recommended Kazakhstan expand its single-window service structures and reduce compliance costs.
The participants also emphasized the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the Middle Corridor. The Middle Corridor, connecting Central Asia to Europe, is considered crucial for ensuring the transit of goods.
Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kairat Torebayev, provided insights into the dynamic development of transport logistics in the region. Cargo supplies to Europe through the TITR have been steadily increasing, with 86% growth in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The OECD project on the Middle Corridor focuses not only on infrastructure development but also on related services. Stimulating the export of goods and services is of particular importance for Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Trade and Integration, along with QazTrade, actively works to simplify trade procedures and expand trade cooperation with Central Asian countries.
Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy General Director of QazTrade, shared that implementing OECD recommendations and transitioning to paperless trade could increase trade turnover by 30% in the medium term – a priority indicator for Kazakhstan. He also highlighted Kazakhstan's active participation in various OECD analytical activities related to trade.
The participants expressed confidence in further strengthening cooperation on the current agenda, emphasizing the mutual commitment to enhancing trade and transport connectivity in key areas.
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