As part of the Third “European Union – Central Asia” Economic Forum, held on November 26–27 in Tashkent, a working meeting took place between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, Zhanel Kushukova, QazTrade Deputy CEO Nurlan Kulbatyrov, and the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
The talks were constructive and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and the ITC, which is being developed with the support of the European Union through long-term programmes on trade facilitation, digital transformation, and strengthening regional connectivity.
The cooperation includes the programmes Ready4Trade Central Asia and Ready4Trade: Path to Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, aimed at developing trade, digitizing procedures, and enhancing regional interconnectedness.
Discussion of the Ready4Trade Central Asia Phase II Outcomes
The parties reviewed key achievements of the EU-funded second phase of Ready4Trade Central Asia. The discussion covered:
– improving national-level trade procedures and strengthening harmonization across Central Asia;
– enhancing border management efficiency and creating conditions for faster movement of goods;
– promoting intra-regional trade;
– improving conditions for international trade along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
It was noted that EU support plays a significant role in advancing reforms aimed at improving transparency, reducing administrative barriers, and improving business conditions.
Results of the CART.IS Initiative
The parties also discussed the progress within CART.IS — an initiative implemented by the ITC in close cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Integration and relevant government agencies.
The work included:
– assessing the digital maturity of government agencies involved in foreign trade regulation;
– evaluating interagency coordination mechanisms;
– mapping key trade processes;
– developing recommendations on digital transformation and administrative procedure improvements.
These measures form the basis for further modernization of border and international trade management processes and transitioning to more modern, digital, and harmonized regulatory systems.
Export Development: Roadmap for Vegetable Oils
Special attention was given to Kazakhstan’s export potential development. The parties highlighted the importance of the jointly developed three-year roadmap for vegetable oil exports, which includes a comprehensive sector analysis, market opportunity assessment, and recommendations to enhance enterprise competitiveness.
Vice Minister Kushukova noted the potential of applying this comprehensive approach to other export-oriented sectors and emphasized its practical value for strategic planning.
Assessment of Partnership and Further Cooperation
The Ministry underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation with the ITC and acknowledged the EU’s contribution in supporting reforms related to trade facilitation, public sector digitalization, export development, and strengthening regional integration.
It was noted that the ITC’s work, supported by the EU, contributes to advancing integration processes and enhancing trade connectivity, including along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
Both sides confirmed their readiness to continue joint implementation of Ready4Trade Central Asia initiatives aimed at creating a favorable business environment and developing regional cooperation.