Belarus, from 1 January 2025, is already for the third time assuming the chairmanship of the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union
Belarus will assume the presidency in the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union for the third time starting January 1, 2025. In this regard, the head of state Alexander Lukashenko, as the chairman of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, sent an address to the heads of states — members of the Eurasian Economic Union, reports BELTA.
— Over the past decade, our union has managed to prove the viability of the idea of close economic integration, its sustainability and effectiveness. Through joint efforts, we have increased the potential for macroeconomic stability and minimized the impact of negative geopolitical factors, — the address states. — The year 2025 will be significant for the Eurasian Economic Union: it marks the end of the five-year implementation of the Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration and lays the foundation for the start of a new phase and the realization of the Declaration on the Further Development of Economic Processes within the EAEU until 2030 and for the period until 2045 "Eurasian Economic Path.
In order to strengthen fruitful integration interaction, the address proposes to identify the main priorities that should be at the center of common attention in the coming year. Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the consistent implementation of these directions will contribute to the further development of Eurasian integration and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Technological Potential and Cooperation
— It is necessary to focus joint efforts on the development of the technological potential of the EAEU member states, the formation of a common space for cooperative interaction in all sectors of the economy, — noted Alexander Lukashenko.
For these purposes, it is necessary to activate the implementation of joint projects and programs in the fields of information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, electric transport, microelectronics, robotics, and new materials.
— Cooperation in this direction will provide a reliable basis for developing partnerships between enterprises of the EAEU member states aimed at creating new import-substituting industries and producing joint products under the Eurasian brand, — stated the Belarusian leader.
Food Security
To enhance the food security of the union, the Belarusian side proposes to concentrate efforts on the development of breeding and seed production, and increasing the genetic potential of breeding agricultural animals.
Unified Transport Space and Logistics
Aleksandr Lukashenko stated the need to complete the formation of a unified transport space with the adoption of equal (non-discriminatory) conditions and ensuring fair competition, especially in air transportation between EAEU countries.
It is necessary to continue working on abolishing the licensing system for all types of international road freight transport to and from third countries.
— It seems particularly important to create new and improve existing logistics chains for seamless delivery of goods, to develop "seamless" and safe international transport corridors linking EAEU member states, — the address states.
Equal Conditions and Transparent Competition
The President of Belarus paid special attention to the need for further targeted work to level the conditions for economic activity, to create a common and transparent competitive environment in the internal space of the union.
— In this regard, the effective completion of the formation of common energy markets of the EAEU is of key importance, — emphasized the head of state.
Protection of the Domestic Market
In the current conditions, the Belarusian side sees the need to continue work on protecting the domestic market. This activity should be aimed both at improving customs-tariff regulation to level the conditions of economic activity in the EAEU and at fully protecting the Eurasian market from unsafe products.
— It is important to ensure the adoption of unified technical requirements based on advanced global practices and scientific evidence, harmonization of national standards, and transition to the application of interstate standards. It is necessary to create controlled conditions for the access of imported goods to the domestic market, to continue the effective application of the risk management system when determining the customs value of goods, — the document states.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, in the current economic realities, the creation of a own exchange system of indicators for commodity markets for key goods (oil products, agricultural products, timber products, building materials, and others) based on the existing information, methodological, and technological platforms of the union countries may become timely.
— A stimulus is needed for further development of exchange trading and formation of competitive prices for goods, — noted the head of state.
Digital Transformation
Another priority concerns the area of digital transformation, where activation of interaction among EAEU member states is required.
— In the modern world, the level of development of digital technologies plays a decisive role in the competitiveness of countries. One of the most important tasks will be to eliminate existing digital barriers. We believe that the work done will achieve a synergistic effect in the development of the economies of member states and the digital space of the EAEU, — stated the Belarusian leader.
To increase the efficiency of the public procurement system, it is proposed to finally regulate the issue of mutual recognition of electronic digital signatures of the member states of the union and to promote further advancement of digital tools in this area.
— In connection with the active development of electronic commerce, there is a need for separate regulation within the union of the activities of marketplaces along with finding an optimal model to account for the interests of the state, as well as electronic trading platforms, sellers, and consumers, — stated the President of Belarus.
International Cooperation
A new impetus is also needed for the development of international cooperation in all its formats, creating additional conditions for promoting the union's goods in foreign markets.
— Interaction of member states with regional integration associations that are related in their statutory goals and ideologies, as well as the development of partnerships within the framework of the observer state institute at the EAEU is an important factor in strengthening the economic potential of the union. Special attention should be paid to the practical aspects of linking the integration potentials of the EAEU, CIS, SCO, and BRICS, and developing trade and economic relations with ASEAN member states, — emphasized the Belarusian leader.
Further work on the implementation of agreements on free trade and trade and economic cooperation signed at the EAEU level with friendly countries, and the activation of negotiations with promising partners is considered by the Belarusian side as key practical elements in positioning the union as a successfully functioning international regional organization on the Eurasian continent.
Social and Humanitarian Agenda
No less important is the joint work in the social and humanitarian spheres.
— It is obvious that the further development of the EAEU should be inextricably linked to the improvement of the well-being of citizens of the member states of the union. In this regard, cooperation in the field of healthcare, education, sports, tourism, culture, and other humanitarian spheres should be in our more focused attention, — believes Alexander Lukashenko.
Information Interaction
According to the President, more than ever, the EAEU countries are required to transition to a new level of information interaction to take effective measures against various destructive resources and aggressive attacks.
— It seems advisable to develop a consolidated approach to forming a common information space based on respect for the traditional values of our countries, the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples, — he stated.
— And, of course, we must honor a special date in our common history — the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, unite efforts aimed at ensuring peace and combating Nazism, which is once again becoming a threat to all humanity, — emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. — Today, it is important to demonstrate to the world community that only by respecting each other and adhering to legal norms can we develop, build the future, and achieve prosperity.