UNIDO, Russia discuss industrial integration of Eurasian Economic Community at Moscow conference

July 20, 2010

UNIDO, Russia discuss industrial integration of Eurasian Economic Community at Moscow conference

Ways to further expand and enhance the industrial integration of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) and link them with UNIDO global networks were discussed at a conference held in Moscow this week.

The three-day event, organized by UNIDO, EurAsEC and the Russian Foreign Ministry, brought together over 60 experts and policy-makers from EurAsEC countries, ministries and agencies, as well as from national business associations.

The Russian Federation now acts as a donor-State contributing to the UNIDO network system and providing assistance in reinforcing integration processes in EurAsEC countries. Under an ongoing project, funded by Russia, UNIDO will develop investment and technology promotion networks for the EurAsEC. The project will increase technology and investment flows into the industrial sector, help create new technology-based enterprises, and increase employment, income and living standards.

UNIDO, Russia discuss industrial integration of Eurasian Economic Community at Moscow conference

The project will be coordinated by the Moscow Centre for International Industrial Cooperation, headed by Sergey Korotkov.

Participants said that it was important for UNIDO to assist in transferring the ownership over the EurAsEC investment and technology promotion network to national counterparts. This would help ensure the integration into UNIDO’s global network of Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPO).

Participants at the conference also noted the importance of a Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Such a step would help develop a common single economic space for EurAsEC countries, common economic policy, and a common market of goods, capital, labour and services. It would also abolish tariff and quota restrictions, increase trade and investment flows, and develop cooperation between local enterprises.