Eurasian integration is our economic and political future, Senator Bashmakov

The most significant integration idea of N.Nazarbayev was a project of the Eurasian Union of the states voiced in 1994. This project laid the foundation for development of the all integration processes on the post-Soviet space, establishment of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space.

In an interview with our correspondent deputy of the Kazakh Senate, representative of the Kazakh Parliament to the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Anatoly Bashmakov tells about the role of Kazakhstan and its President in successful implementation of the integration processes on the post-Soviet space and the significance of economic integration for further development of our country.

Mr. Bashmakov, how do you estimate contribution of the President to the integration processes in the former Soviet Union?

First of all, it is necessary to note, that our President Nursultan Nazarbayev has started this work at the dawn of independence. I would like to outline that in 1994 delivering his address at the Moscow State University our President emphasized that the Eurasian Unionwould be an economic integration union.

I remember the first years of the country's independence. Our President faced difficult tasks: to preserve the unity and integrity of the country, to improve the economy and prevent ethnic and social conflicts. All these tasks were successfully fulfilled. Our President's integration initiatives are under successful realization as well. Within a meeting of leaders of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia, President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev and Chairman of the Russian Government Vladimir Putin gave high estimations to N.Nazarbayev's efforts aimed at development of the integration processes in the former USSR.

The idea of ​​Eurasianism appeared long ago, but serious talks on the Eurasian integration started only in the last 20 years. What is a reason of such heightened interest?

Of course, the first Eurasianism followers appeared more than a century ago. But for the first time the idea of the Eurasian integration has been able to put into practice only now on the initiative and with active participation of our President. This topic became actual in connection with the changed geopolitical reality, emergence of new threats and challenges for the countries of the former USSR.

I would like to outline the great role of our President in successful development of the Eurasian integration. In due time Russia and Belarus had many disagreements, and they were overcome with the help of N.Nazarbayev. The example of Kazakhstan, which joined the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space, attracts Ukraine owing to the authority of our President. I am confident that other countries will join us. They are Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia and, maybe, in the future, Ukraine.

What could you say about the economic changes owing to the Customs Union development?

Undoubtedly, statistics indicate mainstreaming of trade and economic cooperation between the CU member countries, commodity turnover growth. In one of his recent addresses the Head of State told that the sales with Russia increased by 1.8 times against the last years, primarily, due to the removal of customs barriers. The Single Economic Space will become effective since next January 1 that presupposes free movement of capitals, technologies and works in its territory. I am confident it will further contribute to the efficient cooperation between Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia and pave the foundation for successful economic development of the states.

What, in your opinion, could hinder the integration processes in the ex-USSR?

First of all, it could be an outside interference, outside our countries. The Manezh Square events in Moscow, Zhanaozen in Kazakhstan are the alarming symptoms. There are certain forces in the world which do not want any integration in the former USSR. The West, in particular, does not want to see us develop our own modern and competitive production. The world is volatile. The events in the North Africa show that even the relatively favorable countries may be hit by the outside-inspired cataclysms. We should understand, even if we enjoy stable situation, but neighboring Russia or China's stability is impaired, the wave of those events could hit Kazakhstan as well.

I believe, the idea of Nursultan Nazarbayev on the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union since January 1, 2015 should provide both economic growth and building-up the common defensive capacity.

Thank you for the interview.