BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 26
By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:
Representatives of Kazakhstan and EU have discussed possibilities of establishing direct air flights and simplifications of visa regime for Kazakh citizens, Trend reports with reference to the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The topic was discussed during the 18th meeting of the Kazakhstan - European Union Cooperation Committee via videoconference.
The main topics of discussion were the issues of strengthening the political dialogue and multilateral trade, economic and investment relations between Kazakhstan and European Union countries within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which entered into force March 1, 2020.
During the videoconference, views were exchanged on implementation of previously reached agreements under the existing dialogue platforms between Kazakhstan and the EU in the field of trade, energy, environmental protection, agriculture and human rights. The issues of establishing air flights between Kazakhstan and the EU and facilitating visa regime for citizens of Kazakhstan.
Special attention was paid to the issues of promoting interregional cooperation within the framework of Central Asia - European Union meetings, as well as development and implementation of new regional projects within the framework of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia.
Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and EU countries amounted to $13.8 billion from Jan. through Jul. 2020, whereas foreign direct investments volume reached $1.7 billion in 1Q2020.
Currently, over 4,000 companies with EU participation, as well as over 2,000 joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan.