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According to the press service of the Kazakh MFA, a seminar on: “Trade and investment promotion between Kazakhstan and Ethiopia” was held by The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ethiopia, the Center for the Development of Trade Policy “QazTrade” of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Export Insurance Company “KazakhExport” and the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Representatives of the business circles of Addis Ababa, interested in the supply of Kazakh goods to the market of Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as in the development of bilateral trade and exports of Ethiopian products, attended the event, held in a hybrid format.
The seminar participants were acquainted with the course of economic reforms of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, conducted in the country in the context of creating a new, fair and inclusive Kazakhstan, based on the principles of socio-economic justice, intolerance to corruption, fair and equitable competition and efficient allocation of resources, by Ambassador Barlybay Sadykov.
The great potential for increasing mutual trade between Ethiopia and Kazakhstan was noted by Deputy Secretary General of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Associations Zekarias Assefa.
Ethiopia is the largest market among the countries of East Africa, due to a population of more than 120 million people, and an aviation transit hub on the African continent, due to convenient access to the market of the East African Community. According to the representative of AACCIA, an increase in trade turnover with Kazakhstan is expected.
A presentation on the trade, economic and investment potential of Kazakhstan was made at the seminar by Galym Nurgazinov, Director of the Project Development Department of JSC Center for Development of Trade Policy “QazTrade”, and Armana Bekbasova, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Export Insurance Company “KazakhExport”.
Great interest was aroused by the information presented by the Kazakh participants among businessmen of Ethiopia, who made proposals for the development of cooperation with Kazakhstan, establishing direct contacts with businessmen of our country, creating joint ventures. Many practical questions concerning doing business with Kazakhstan were also asked.
Tadesse Sisay, Managing Director of the “Sendros” trading company, highlighted the necessity of solving the main barrier in trade – logistics issues.
According to Sisay, significant trade opportunities of Kazakhstan were learnt today. Demand for Kazakh products in the Ethiopian market may be great. She expressed her opinion that the main task was to build logistics routes for the mutual supply of goods.
The plans for cooperation with Kazakhstan were spoken about by Ermeyas Asfaw, General Manager of “Edcon” PLC.
According to him, import of plastic and other petrochemical products from Kazakhstan presents a great interest for the company. Demand for these goods is great in Ethiopia, and it is necessary to find reliable partners in Kazakhstan.
Significant opportunities for the growth of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Ethiopia are confirmed by the experts, and the decision was made to work closely to eliminate such barriers as the lack of direct communications to support trade, the lack of information about differences in technical standards, permits and accompanying documents, the development and proposal of mutually beneficial logistics routes for the supply of goods.
Interest in working together in these areas was expressed by the seminar participants. They are going to organize meetings and look for partners to increase bilateral trade.
The amount of 280.6 thousand US dollars, which is 2.9 times higher than in the same period of the previous year (95.7 thousand US dollars), was reached by the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Ethiopia in January – September 2022. The import of Ethiopian goods to Kazakhstan (coffee, live plants, flowers, vegetables, clothing and textiles) accounted for almost 100% of the turnover.
There is a general growth of the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and all African countries, and the increase of the trade turnover of Kazakhstan with Ethiopia corresponds to this trend. It reached $849.2 million in nine months of 2022, which is 1.3 times more compared to the same period in 2021 ($380 million). Exports of Kazakh goods to African countries exceed imports from this continent and reached 624.6 million US dollars (1.8 times increase), imports reached 224.6 million US dollars (40% growth).

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According to the Statistical Committee, the biggest share in Armenia’s exports in the first 9 months of this year belonged to mineral products, whereas in the imports, machinery, equipment and mechanisms had it.
An increase by 63.8% compared to the same period of the previous year was shown by Armenia’s exports in January-September (3 billion 509 million 421.2 thousand dollars).
The export to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) grew up 2.4 times compared to the same period of the past year and comprised 1 billion 467 million 370.5 thousand dollars.
The export to the member states of the European Union rose up by 23.9% compared to the same period of the previous year (totally 606 million 568.3 thousand dollars).
Mineral products was the most exported product by Armenia– 785 million 398.5 thousand dollars (4.2 times increase compared to the same period of the previous year). Ready-made food products followed the mineral products and attained a 44.7% increase compared to January-September 2021 (605 million 400.7 thousand dollars).
Precious and semi-precious stones, precious metals and items made of precious metals were the next. Their export volume increased 2.7 times compared to the same period of the previous year and attained 597 million 341.0 thousand dollars.
Machines, equipment and mechanisms are the first in terms of import volumes– 1 billion 109 million 076.2 thousand dollars (an 84.9% increase compared to the same period of the previous year). The mineral products came after them with 858 million 430.1 thousand dollars (a 32.7% growth compared to the same period of the previous year).

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According to Georgian economy minister Levan Davitashvili, the country could play the “leading” role in the process of connecting the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asian regions with the European Union.
As the European Commissioner for Energy and Adina Vălean, the Commissioner for Transport said making the comment following the meeting between Davitashvili and Kadri Simson, Georgia had “confidence and unconditional historical advantages” to fulfil the role.
A “very important work” done by the Georgian government throughout the past year to ensure Central Asian states and to “closely connect” Azerbaijan and other regional states with the EU was highlighted by the minister.
According to him, Georgia could also play an “important role” in the economic security and development of Europe.
According to Davitashvili, alternative sources of energy supply are being looked for by Europe, as well as alternative routes for the European economy in general, alternative connection with Asia and main trade partners – in this regard, Georgia can become an important and reliable partner, which the country is able to do today, and the potential of this cooperation is even greater.
It was stressed by the Georgian official that sectoral integration was an “important prerequisite” for the country to finally become a full member of the EU.
Davitashvili said that the European Commissioners noted that Georgia has fulfilled more than 60 percent of its obligations defined by the agreement [with the EU] on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and recognized it as an important prerequisite for Georgia’s progress towards EU membership to continue.

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According to the Georgian government’s press office, cooperation and prospects of boosting trade ties and investment between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates were discussed by Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday at their meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Georgian PM was welcomed by UAE officials to start off visit.
Readiness to further strengthening of the cooperation was expressed by the officials, and the “fruitful cooperation” between the two countries in various fields and a “high-level political dialogue” evidenced by visits of senior officials from both states was praised.
Irakli Garibashvili wrote in Twitter that he was happy to meet the president of Sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi. They discussed the ongoing bilateral and future cooperation between the two countries, as well as enhancing trade and investment flows between them for the greater benefit of the both nations.
Noted negotiations were ongoing “actively” between Georgia and UAE to establish free trade between the two countries. A number of projects in the country that had been funded by Arab investors were highlighted by the head of the Georgian government.
Establishment of a free trade zone that would create a “favourable climate for the promotion and development of economic and trade relations” between the two countries was also pointed out. The discussion also touched on the importance of a “full use” of the potential of ties in tourism, energy, and transport.
The 84 percent increase ($190 million) in the trade turnover between the countries over the past nine months was highlighted by the officials.
The Georgian PM chaired the delegation that arrived in Abu Dhabi early on Monday to hold “high-level meetings”.
Levan Davitashvili, the vice prime minister and minister of economy and sustainable development, Ilia Darchiashvili, the minister of foreign affairs, and Revaz Javelidze, the head of the government administration were included in it.

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A joint statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia on further strengthening of bilateral cooperation is published by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. A Joint Statement according to which: Kazakhstan and North Macedonia confirm their interest in developing a trusting political dialogue, building up trade, economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation in a spirit of openness and mutual understanding was adopted by the Parties following the talks held between Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, on November 1, 2022 in Skopje. The decision of the Republic of Kazakhstan to open an Embassy in the Republic of North Macedonia in 2023, which will give an additional impetus to bilateral relations between the two countries, was welcomed by the Parties. The preparation and implementation of the official visit of H.E. Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, President of the Republic of North Macedonia, to Kazakhstan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will be worked on by the both sides. The first meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation which will be held in Skopje on November 3, 2022, will contribute to further increase of mutual trade, expansion and diversity of the structure of trade turnover. It is welcomed by the representatives of the both countries. North Macedonia’s priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023 are supported by Kazakhstan, and the significant progress in the process of integration of North Macedonia into the EU is noted. Kazakhstan also wishes successful implementation of the outlined plans. The intention to continue the practice of holding regular political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers is expressed by the Parties, and the 3rd round of consultations in Skopje in 2023 is agreed to be held. An 88% increase of the volume of mutual trade between the two countries in the first 7 months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the global economic crisis, is noted with satisfaction by the Parties. Further expansion of the bilateral legal and contractual framework by signing agreements in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the field of security and the fight against organized crime, is agreed by the Parties. The importance of inter-parliamentary ties for interstate cooperation is acknowledged by the Parties, and the need for regular meetings of legislators, as well as their interaction at international events, is noted. The establishment of direct contacts between regions and universities, the exchange of tours of creative teams and the holding of Days of Culture in the territories of the two countries will be promoted by them. Common approach of the two countries on certain bilateral and international issues is noted, and each side will support initiatives within the framework of international organizations in conformity with the priorities and commitments of each side. A profound gratitude to the North Macedonia side for the hospitality during this visit was expressed by the Kazakhstan side.

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Prospects for expanding economic partnership between the two countries were discussed by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilita at the meeting. According to Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, a great importance is attached to relations with Moldova by Azerbaijan, and he emphasized on a potential for strengthening economic and trade … Read more

An increase by 26.2 percent was shown by Serbia’s exports during first eight months of this year. The prices of exported goods rose up by 20.5 percent, while the data from the State Statistics Office (RZS) announces that the quantity of export products increased by only 4.7 percent. Imports increase can be characterized in the … Read more

A fine will have to be paid in Armenia for each ton of excess weight by companies and legal entities involved in the transportation of goods if the vehicles in their possession are overloaded. This was said on Wednesday by Armen Danielyan, the acting head of the Office for the Coordination of Inspection Authorities of the Prime Minister’s Office, at the meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on economic issues in the National Assembly during the discussion of the bill on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences.
According to him, they will impose the fine only in certain cases, for example, in case of the trucks’ appearance on the roads or highways of national importance. Meanwhile, it was clarified by Danielyan that such a penalty mechanism already exists and they successfully use it in the republic. Its only drawback is that the overload of a particular vehicle is not taken into account while imposing the above-mentioned fine. It means that they don’t take into account the weight on the part of inspection officials, so, the limit specified by the current legislation can be significantly exceeded, and the offender may subsequently pay only a one-time fine.
They propose to impose a fine for every extra ton of cargo, what will make it huge. According to the official, it will be 200 thousand drams for each ton, while at the moment the level of violation is not taken into account when they pay the amount.
Danielyan assured that the asphalt surface of the republic’s roads will be maintained at the proper level of quality and will be ridded of accelerated wear and tear by the stricter legislation. This process is significantly accelerated by the large weight of bulky vehicles loaded with various kinds of products. Additional costs from the state arise from there, as an impressive amount of money is required for the proper maintenance of highways.
A positive conclusion of the parliamentary commission was received by the legislative initiative after a relatively short discussion.

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Permission to export planting material of nut-trees to the European Union member states was granted to Moldova. The recommendation to interested people to negotiate with partners about commercial relations on the delivery of the product to the European Union was given by the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) on 12 October.
According to the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry, the amendments made to the European Union’s legislation permit to import grafted plants of Juglans regia L. (nut-tree) and mother/father plants of up to two years, with naked roots, in vegetative repose, without leaves from Moldova.
The right to export apple (Malus domestica) planting material to the European Union in the next three years was obtained by Moldova last August.
An efficient cooperation, at the technical level, between ANSA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, through the light of numerous exchanges of information and technical discussions with European experts made that possible.

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An agricultural household that owns 19 hectares of orchards is run by Igor Ivanov from Mălăiesti, Orhei. The farmer had to plant new trees of a different generation to export fruit to the community market. Three loads of plums were delivered by him to Germany last year, but for that international certifications were needed, and certain sanitary requirements had to be complied with, according to the government’s communication and protocol department.
According to the entrepreneur, the apples harvested from an orchard sector went to processing this year, and the trees will be deforested. The farmer argues that they have directly given the apples from the classic orchard to the processing factories for the last two years. Meanwhile, he shows the new orchard, the object of his pride. This super-intensive orchard is equipped with irrigation, hail protection and spring frost protection. A good price for Gala apples is expected this year as well as in the past. As Igor Ivanov said, this apple variety is appreciated on the European market, as well as in the countries of Central Asia. He also underlines higher European requirements compared to our traditional market.
The quotas for several categories of duty-free imported products were more than doubled by the European Union at the request of the Government of the Republic of Moldova in July. It mainly concerned plums, grapes and apples. According to the data of the Ministry of Economy, in recent years the producers in Moldova exported plums and table grapes above the volume of the agreed quotas, assuming the taxes related to the export.
As Minister of Economy Sergiu Gaibu says, they have ensured an increase of more than two and a half times for plums, and it has covered, in fact, all the exports of plums in any direction that Moldovan producers previously made. Negotiations with Egypt concerning apples were also initiated by the Government. The aim is to allow tax-free exports of apples to this country, importing a significant volume of apples.

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