Kazakhstan, Georgia discuss trade, economic cooperation
By Abdul Kerimkhanov
Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan hosted the 10th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on April 23.
The Kazakh side was headed by the Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan, Roman Sklyar, while Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Natela Turnava, represented the Georgian side. Representatives of ministries and interested companies of the two countries also attended the meeting.
During the meeting of the Commission, parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation in such areas as trade, investment attraction, agriculture, transport, communications, information technology and innovation, science, tourism, healthcare, industry, etc.
Sklyar noted the ongoing work on the mutual promotion of exports, which is reflected in a 29-percent increase in turnover for the first two months of 2019 (from $10 to $13 million).
Kazakhstan's exports to Georgia also increased by 29 percent due to an increase in wheat supplies by 11 times, as well as exports of natural gas and equipment for processing rubber and plastics.
The parties also expressed satisfaction with the work done on the development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route. Kazakh and Georgian sides agreed to continue the work to develop the transit potential of the two countries by establishing competitive tariff conditions, reducing delivery times and increasing the volume of freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian corridor.
In conclusion, the ministers of the two countries noted that the Commission has established itself as an effective mechanism and platform for discussing and resolving current issues of bilateral cooperation.
Following the 10th meeting of the Commission, the relevant protocol was signed.
Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Georgia were established on July 23, 1992. The trade between Kazakhstan and Georgia amounted to $87 million in 2018, which is 34.6 percent more than in 2017 ($64.6 million).
Exports from Kazakhstan to Georgia totaled $53.6 million, which is 38.5 percent more compared to 2017 ($38.7 million), while imports made up $33.4 million, which is a 28.9-percent growth ($25.9 million in 2017).
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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94
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