As part of the Third European Union – Central Asia Economic Forum, held in Tashkent on November 26–27, a working meeting was held between Zhanel Kushukova, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy Director General of QazTrade, and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The talks were constructive and confirmed the high level of partnership between Kazakhstan and ITC, which is developing with the support of the European Union through long-term programs to facilitate trade, digitalize processes, and strengthen regional connectivity.

This collaboration includes the Ready4Trade Central Asia and Ready4Trade: Path to Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor programs, aimed at developing trade, digitalizing procedures, and strengthening regional connectivity in the region.

Discussion of the Results of the Second Phase of Ready4Trade Central Asia

The parties reviewed the key achievements of the second phase of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project, funded by the European Union. The discussions included: improving trade procedures at the national level and strengthening coordination between Central Asian countries; enhancing the efficiency of border administration and creating conditions for the accelerated movement of goods; facilitating the development of intraregional trade; and improving the conditions for the development of international trade along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. It was noted that the European Union's support plays a significant role in promoting reforms aimed at increasing transparency, reducing administrative barriers, and improving the business environment.

Results of the CART.IS Initiative
The parties discussed the progress achieved within the CART.IS initiative, implemented by ITC in close collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Integration and with the participation of relevant government agencies.

The work included:
analysis of the digital maturity of government agencies involved in regulating foreign trade; assessment of interagency cooperation mechanisms; mapping key trade processes; and preparation of recommendations for digital transformation and improvement of administrative procedures. The proposed measures provide the basis for further modernization of governance processes in border and international trade and the transition to more modern, digital, and harmonized regulatory systems.

Developing Export Potential: A Roadmap for Vegetable Oils

The Vice Minister and the head of the ITC paid special attention to developing Kazakhstan's export potential. During the discussion, they noted the importance of the three-year roadmap for developing vegetable oil exports developed jointly by the ITC and the Ministry, which includes a comprehensive analysis of the sector, an assessment of market opportunities, and recommendations for improving enterprise competitiveness.

Vice Minister Kushukova also noted the potential for applying a similar integrated approach to other export-oriented sectors of the economy and emphasized its practical value for further strategic planning.

Assessing the Partnership and Further Interaction: The Ministry of Trade and Integration noted the importance of ongoing collaboration with the ITC and emphasized the European Union's contribution to supporting reforms aimed at simplifying trade procedures, digitalizing government processes, developing export potential, and strengthening regional integration.

It was noted that the ITC's activities, supported by the European Union, contribute to the advancement of integration processes in the region and the development of trade connectivity, including along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

The parties confirmed their commitment to continue working together to implement the Ready4Trade Central Asia project's initiatives, which are aimed at creating a favorable business environment and developing regional cooperation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115409?lang=kk