CIS countries continue to work on reducing obstacles to mutual trade, expanding free trade mechanisms, and stimulating investments.
At the meeting of permanent authorized representatives of CIS states held in Minsk, issues of reducing trade barriers, expanding free trade mechanisms, and attracting investment were discussed.
During the gathering, the issue of implementing the free trade zone agreement signed in 2011 was reviewed. It was noted that CIS states are generally fulfilling their obligations under this treaty, and the number of trade barriers is steadily decreasing.
The main focus will now be on strengthening the work of targeted working groups for the prompt resolution of trade disputes and the elimination of existing obstacles.
Furthermore, it was revealed that public procurement agreements are not working effectively enough. Negotiations on preparing documents for the reduction and phased abolition of export duties, as well as transit via pipeline transport, have stalled.
It is planned to more widely utilize new opportunities for free trade in services and investments within the framework of good neighborliness. At the same time, attracting and stimulating mutual investments by 2030 may become one of the key instruments.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the meetings of the CIS Foreign Ministers' Council, which will take place on October 7, and the CIS Heads of State Council, scheduled for October 9 in Turkmenistan.
The next meeting of the CIS Prime Ministers' Council is scheduled to be held in Moscow in December.
