Deputy suggests limiting access for Russian goods in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - Kazakh Mazhilisman Aidarbek Kozhanazarov has proposed measures to limit the access of Russian goods to the Kazakh market in response to Russia’s restrictions on the transit of Kazakh grain and agricultural products.
On September 23, 2024, Russia imposed unilateral restrictions on the transit of Kazakh grain and certain agricultural products through its territory, according to Kozhanazarov, who raised the issue at a recent session of the Mazhilis.

"These measures, which block the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for grain, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, peppers, and other products, violate international agreements. These barriers place a strain on our agricultural sector and the economy as a whole: Kazakh exporters face significant financial losses, wagons are idling, and delivery deadlines are missed," said Kozhanazarov.

He added that these actions by Rosselkhoznadzor could lead to the spoilage of 25.2 million tons of grain, further exacerbating the issue.

"Moreover, we are losing both quality and time. This is not an exaggeration - the hard work of our farmers, who have labored all season, is on the verge of being wasted. The restrictions imposed by Rosselkhoznadzor violate the terms of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) agreement. Furthermore, they contradict the core principles of free movement of goods and transit among EAEU member states," he emphasized.

In light of this, Kozhanazarov proposed several actions, including initiating official negotiations with Russia to lift the unjustified phytosanitary restrictions on Kazakh products. Should Rosselkhoznadzor refuse to comply, he suggested taking the matter to the EAEU Court. The MP also called for a review of transit tariffs for Russian goods passing through Kazakhstan and, if necessary, restricting access for Russian products to the Kazakh market.
Additionally, Kozhanazarov proposed exploring alternative logistics routes for exporting Kazakh products. This could involve establishing transportation corridors via the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, as well as enhancing cooperation with China, potentially increasing quotas for Kazakh grain and other agricultural goods.