From CU to EEU: Dynamics of integration in the mirror of statistics

Chairman of the Statistics Agency Alikhan Smailov will tell about the changes in the economy of our country which are to occur within the integration process. - Mr. Smailov, please tell us about the statistics of the dynamics of foreign trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the countries of the Customs Union. - According to preliminary data, the foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan with the countries of the Customs Union in 2013 amounted to USD 24.2 billion, which is 1.9 times more than in 2009. Kazakhstan's exports to the CU countries in 2013 amounted to USD 5.9 billion (1.6 times more than in 2009). Imports from the CU states in 2013 amounted to USD 18.3 billion, exceeding the 2009 figure by 1.9 times. - What is the structure of Kazakhstan's exports to the countries of the Customs Union? - In total Kazakhstan's exports to the CU countries are 40.9 % mineral products, 24.2% - metals and products made from them, 13.7% - chemical products, 10.4% - machinery and equipment, 8.1% - products of animal and vegetable origin. - What is imported into Kazakhstan from Russia and Belarus? - Kazakhstan's imports from the CU states includes 28.2 % of mineral products, 24% of machinery and equipment, 15.1% of metals and products made from them, 11.5% of chemical products and 10.6%m of products of animal and vegetable origin. - What measures does your agency take for improving the quality of statistics reflecting the development of mutual trade with the countries of the Customs Union? - Our agency provides statistics formation of bilateral trade with the countries of the Customs Union according to nationwide statistical survey, in accordance with the form of 1-TS. On a monthly basis, the Agency carries out "mirror" comparison of the data with the partner countries including participants of foreign economic activity. Thus, the Agency and the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation signed a memorandum on cooperation in bilateral trade statistics and information exchange of traders of the two countries. In addition, in 2014 the Agency uses data from the National Bank of Kazakhstan on traders who have concluded contracts with counterparts in Russia and Belarus. 22-23 April, 2014 Minsk will hold a joint meeting of experts of statistical authorities of Belarus and Kazakhstan. - Thank you for the interview.