Kazakh President Tokayev pointed out in his speech at the plenary session of the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 17, 2022 that Kazakhstan, as an active participant in the process of "Eurasian integration", will continue to Fully exploit the potential of cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. For Kazakhstan, the top priority is to promote the combination of "Eurasian integration" and China's Belt and Road construction.

According to the official website of the Kazakh Presidential Palace, Tokayev said that the forum was held against a special background of turbulent political and economic situations. The epidemic and rising geopolitical tensions have changed the reality. Tokayev believes that under the conditions of the new reality, it is important to take into account the rapid changes in the structure of the world order. While the process of reshaping traditional economic models is accelerating, so too are slowing global growth and increased competition for investment and resources.

Deepen cooperation with China

For countries in the region, he said, it is not only about finding the right answers to all challenges, but also making the most of the opportunities presented by the challenges. Therefore, "We must consistently give full play to the potential of cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and promote the integration of 'Eurasian integration' with China's Belt and Road Initiative."

Tokayev pointed out that the economic aggregate of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union exceeds 2 trillion US dollars. In 2021, the mutual trade between the countries in the alliance will be about 73 billion US dollars, the trade volume between Kazakhstan and Russia will exceed 25 billion US dollars in 2021, and the bilateral trade volume will reach 5.8 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2022, a year-on-year increase of 12.5%. In this regard, Tokayev proposed that the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, should adopt a more active and flexible trade policy and seek broad coverage of markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Tokayev also emphasized that deepening cooperation with China is an extremely important task. "In the next ten years, China, India, traditional friendly countries in the Middle East, Oceania and other regions may become major investors in the regional economy. China has become a major investor in the region's economy. Kazakhstan's main economic and trade partner, deepening cooperation with China is an important task for China." In addition, he also said, "Jointly build a number of breakthrough innovative technology projects and transportation and logistics chains, which will create new opportunities for the economic growth of the two countries. opportunities for cooperation.”

Tokayev pointed out that building a peaceful, stable and economically strong Eurasia will be a favorable factor for sustainable development and inclusive growth on a global scale. After the plenary session, Tokayev met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the talks, the leaders of the two countries discussed in detail the current situation and prospects of Kazakhstan-Russia economic and trade cooperation.

The theme of the 2022 forum is "New World, New Opportunities", with 4 topics covering the global and Russian economy, digitalization and information security, and human resource development. Political and business people from more than 90 countries and regions discussed the real problems and solutions facing the world economy. Since its establishment in 1997, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has become an important international large-scale economic forum.Editor/XuNing