Trade volume between Russia and Central Asian countries is on the rise despite Western sanctions stated Sergei Overchenko, Deputy Director of the third department of CIS countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry during an expert discussion hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club on 20 May Tass reports. The discussion focused on Russia and Central Asia in new strategic conditions based on the results of the 4th Central Asian Conference held on May 14-15.
"Despite the illegitimate western sanctions, it is possible to increase the volume of bilateral trade with Central Asian countries. Russian investments in the region are also increasing. The structural base of trade is expanding due to the non-resource component," Overchenko added.
Earlier Daryo reported that the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin had highlighted at the 4th Central Asian Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club on May 14 that the total trade turnover between Russia and Central Asian countries exceeded $44bn in 2023, with Russia accounting for one-third of Central Asia's foreign trade turnover.
Moreover, Russia remains a key trade and economic partner for Central Asian states maintaining a significant presence in the region's economy as noted by Overchenko at the discussion.
"In the current conditions, Russia and the countries of Central Asia are adequately tested for strength, we continue to actively develop ties with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on the basis of equality, respect and trust. At the same time, we put open, depoliticized cooperation at the forefront, focused on economic realities and mutual benefit".
Overchenko further emphasized that Russia is one of the primary consumers of goods produced in Central Asia highlighting the sustained economic ties between Russia and Central Asian countries undeterred by external pressures.
Furthermore, according to the state statistic agency Uzbekistan's exports to Russia in Q1 2024 reached $1bn, while imports for the same period totaled $2.8bn, accounting for 18.4% of Uzbekistan's foreign trade volume.
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