Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 16 / Trend /
MPs propose the introduction of seasonal customs duties on imports of Kazakh flour, KyrTAG reported quoting MP Akylbek Japarov as saying at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance on Wednesday.
"The coalition majority suggests to the government to consider the introduction of 10 percent-customs duty on wheat and flour imports," Japarov said.
According to Japarov, the measure is taken because wheat and flour are imported duty free from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan, infringing losses to domestic flour mills.
Head of State customs service of Kyrgyzstan Kubanychbek Kulmatov noted that in deciding whether to impose such duties Kyrgyzstan should be extremely careful.
"We have obligations to the countries that enter into a free trade area. If we take such action, trying to help our mills, we can provoke a response from Kazakhstan," the head of the customs service considers.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, domestic production meets the country's wheat demand by 65 percent, while the rest part of the demand is covered by grain imports from Kazakhstan.