BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 8. The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) increased by grew by 9 percent, exceeding $36 billion last year, Alikhan Smailov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan said during the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS in Russia's Sochi, Trend reports.
He noted that during the first three months of 2023, a 9 percent growth rate was also maintained.
"The increase in this indicator is largely ensured by the implementation of the CIS Free Trade Agreement. However, under current conditions, it is necessary to significantly intensify work within the CIS to eliminate existing barriers, restrictions, and exemptions in mutual trade," said Smailov.
Furthermore, he added that Kazakhstan is interested in further deepening cooperation within this platform, strengthening the potential, and exploring the possibilities of the CIS.
The PM also noted that the role of e-commerce is significantly increasing in modern times. Unleashing the potential of the CIS in this direction requires coordinated actions and joint efforts. In this regard, Kazakhstan supports the development of a corresponding cooperation concept.