As part of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the bodies of the EAEU, an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council was held in Shymkent. A wide range of issues related to the development of Eurasian integration were considered, including industrial cooperation, technological development, customs regulation, economic resilience, digital transformation, consumer protection, and others.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, was attended by Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev. From the observer states – Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of the Republic of Cuba Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kazakhstan Ali Akbar Joukar.

Opening the meeting, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that the Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization focused on deepening economic cooperation. The association consistently follows its goals and objectives to ensure sustainable economic growth of the EAEU countries. First of all, this is the creation of a common market ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor. Along with this, the EAEU contributes to the technological modernization of national economies, the development of industrial cooperation and the strengthening of the positions of member states in the global market.

In accordance with the priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan, within the framework of its chairmanship, intends to focus on the introduction of artificial intelligence into the Union’s areas of activity, unlocking transit potential, deepening industrial cooperation, the consistent removal of barriers in the internal market, and expanding foreign trade cooperation.

“From January 1, 2026, the Republic of Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship in the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union. In this regard, an address by our Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been sent to the member states, outlining the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. Kazakhstan has set a strategic task to become a fully-fledged digital country. A modern ecosystem has been formed, the key element of which is Astana Hub- the largest international technopark of IT startups in Central Asia. The International Artificial Intelligence Center Alem.ai has been opened, bringing together education, scientific research and support for innovative projects. We are ready to exchange knowledge and experience with EAEU partners in the field of digital regulation and economic transformation,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted the importance of adapting EAEU states to modern technologies using AI in such areas as customs administration, logistics, industry, agriculture and others.

In order to fully unlock the transit and transport potential of the Union countries, it was proposed to create an integrated AI-based platform for coordinating cargo flows, which will reduce delivery times, lower business costs and increase the competitiveness of Eurasian transport corridors.

The transition of processes for confirming the completion of veterinary and phytosanitary control entirely into electronic format will ensure transparency in mutual trade. In this regard, it was proposed that the Eurasian Economic Commission, together with the member states, comprehensively elaborate this issue, including the abolition of mandatory stamping on paper documents and the development of mechanisms for information interaction with third countries.

In the field of industry and agriculture, support mechanisms for cooperation projects should be oriented toward innovative initiatives and the creation of high value-added production. The promotion of the use of digital solutions and AI should be ensured through demonstration centers, startups and sectoral competence centers.

The freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor must remain an unconditional principle of the EAEU. The Commission should play an active role in monitoring compliance with obligations and respond promptly, protecting the interests of business and citizens. The importance of forming a competitive environment in trade was emphasized.

Attention was paid to expanding trade and economic cooperation and entering new external markets. The countries of the Arab world, Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as cooperation with reputable regional associations, were named as promising areas. Cooperation contributes to strengthening the economy and developing international production chains.

Heads of official delegations delivered statements: Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan. Heads of delegations of observer states to the EAEU also delivered remarks: Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of the Republic of Cuba Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga.

Following the meeting of the EIC, 12 documents were signed. The adopted decisions are aimed at the further development of integration processes and strengthening the resilience of the economies of the member states. The next meeting of the EIC will be held on August 6–7 in the city of Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan).

#Olzhas Bektenov #EAEU #Economy #Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

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