A conference dedicated to the Customs Union “Single customs, single tariffs” was held in Belgian Antwerp on 16 February. At the conference the Kazakhstan Ambassador to Belgium suggested establishing joint chambers of commerce and industry and business councils of the Single Economic Space in Europe. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Belgium and Luxemburg, Head of Missions to the EU and Nato Yerik Utembayev noted that at present the businessmen of the three countries – Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia - are involved in the work to establish the Single Economic Space and to draft proposals promoting the interests of the business community. 

“In this connection, I think it is possible to focus on enhancing efficiency of business cooperation of the Customs Union member states with foreign partners and the relations between business and the authorities. This is essential for planning the future business entities and forging new business ties with foreign partners. This cooperation can be boosted by expanding links with the Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” Yerik Utembayev said.  

In his view, the parties could discuss amendments to the Customs Code of the Customs Union, ways to increase trade and transit flows via the territory of the Customs Union to/from the Asian region, reduction and harmonization of transport tariffs, creation of preliminary exchange of information taking into consideration the expertise and knowledge of the EU.

The Kazakhstan ambassador believes that the establishment of the joint chambers of commerce and industry and business councils in Europe will help the three countries adjust to the new economic environment and help European countries start business in the Customs Union. “I think we will be able to create a good cooperation platform with many companies. Therefore, the chambers of commerce and industries and business councils are viewed as one of the best things to do,” Yerik Utembayev said.

BELTA