Astana, Kazakhstan, April 24
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
The Eurasian Economic Union can contribute to the development of technical progress in member states, according to Kazakh political analyst Eduard Poletaev.
"The economic structure in our countries is quite primitive and if we want to produce something from finished products, to make a full production cycle, but not only export natural resources, we need a comprehensive program for scientific and technical progress with participation of several countries, as it was during the Soviet period. I believe, the Eurasian Economic Union can contribute to this aim," Poletaev said on April 23 during the 'round table' held by the World of Eurasia Fund on the topic 'Integration: The Eurasian Economic Union project reached the stage of signing'.
At present, it is difficult to forecast any criteria of success which the Eurasian Economic Union seeks to achieve, according to the political analyst.
"It is difficult to define the measurable factors as well. We will probably be guided by some macroeconomic indicators used by our officials. First of all, these indicators include the growth of GDP, import, export and etc.," the expert said.
He recalled that the economic growth of both Russia and Kazakhstan mainly provided by the export of natural resources.
"Meanwhile, some states have other examples of success criteria. They are: the technological innovation, research, development and high level of education. That's to say, the criteria of success are not only related to GDP growth," Poletaev said.
The desire to become a leading state is a positive intention per se, according to the expert.
"And one of the main points of growth is just the desire to turn the Eurasian Economic Union into a more or less successful post-Soviet integration structure. It is obvious that after the collapse of the USSR in all three countries, economic growth was regarded as one of the main criteria of success. At the same time, the succession of the general idea was maintained: everything that supports high growth rate, strengthens economic security of a country and meets the national interests of a state, is good," the expert said.
Namely, this understanding dominates in Kazakhstan up until now, according to Poletaev.
"It is approved at the highest level that the Eurasian Economic Union is first of all an economic, but not a political union. Nevertheless, the difficulty lies in the fact that integration is a more worldview issue. And it has its own specification, successes and difficulties in every state," the expert said.
The year of 2014 will be crucial for the integration in the post-Soviet space. The presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus will sign an agreement to establish the Eurasian Economic Union in May, 2014. This year marks 20 years from the time when the idea for creating this integration association was put forward.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.