In light of Kazakhstan’s WTO accession and formation of the Eurasian Economic Union, the importance of the Almaty Trade and Customs Working Group has been grown significantly. The Group aims to improve Kazakhstan’s competitiveness by addressing issues that inhibit the flow of goods and services across borders.
Additionally, the Group provides members with the opportunity to discuss major trade barriers and customs regulatory issues while working to promote greater cooperation with the Kazakhstan customs administration. The Almaty Group has sent requests to the State Revenue Committee and Ministry of Economic Integration to clarify EEU and WTO issues, as well as to recommend improvements in implementation.
The Government of Kazakhstan is currently engaged in a major effort to unify the Customs and Tax Codes, and the Group will seek to influence the reform agenda for this process. The Almaty Group will cooperate with similar Trade and Customs Working Groups in Astana, Atyrau, and Aktau.
Siddique Khan, Globalink President