Experts predict future of Eurasian Economic Union

The Ukrainian crisis hwinfluenced Russia’s image as a key subject of Eurasian integration. Processes of formation of a negative view on Eurasian integration initiatives by Moscow were formed in the public consciousness of Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Insufficiently strong positions of supporters of Eurasian integration in the information field of Russia are slowing the pace of Eurasian integration. To neutralize widespread ideologemes in public consciousness, supporters of Eurasian integration developed a complex of measures directed at strengthening Russia’s image as a subject of Eurasian integration initiatives in the 21st century. For example, they have created the ‘Vision of Eurasian integration in the light of changing geopolitical conditions’ project. Yesterday the geopolitical center ‘Berlek-Edinstvo’ held a press conference on the platform of Vestnik Kavkaza. Experts from Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan shared their vision on the prospects of integration

Adil Kaukenov, Adviser at the Research Institute ‘Public Opinion’, stated that “the integration processes in which millions of people are involved are complicated processes. Therefore it is very important not only to have an understanding, but very specific, very clear, understandable rules. That is what allows a predictable strategy to be built, a strategy and tactics for the companies within the Union, and for ordinary people and foreign investors. This understanding must have strong information support, a strong scientific basis. The research project, which is conducted by the Berlek fund, brings another useful contribution into the whole picture. We are trying to understand each other, to offer our governments ideas that will lead to this transparency and certainty and will become the basis for further mutually beneficial cooperation."

On August 12th Kyrgyzstan became a full member of the EAEU. When the customs control points were eliminated from the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, the trade turnover between all the member-states of the Eurasian Union began to grow. Fruits, vegetables and textile goods arrived in Russia and Kazakhstan. According to the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, today imports have surpassed exports for the first time.

Mars Sariyev, Head of the Dalil + Research club, says: “Kyrgyzstan expects, and the countries of the EAEC, primarily Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus will participate in the re-industrialization, because since independence 25 years ago we have completely lost the industrial-agrarian country, completely lost it all. We began to engage in the re-export of Chinese goods, and everything. Almost all of these people were engaged in this.  There is the Kara-Suu market in the south, and the Dordoi market in the north, the largest market in Central Asia. This is not an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. The Russian technology, I mean the manufacturability of the European business schemes is quite different. They will build infrastructure, they will make the expansion, and accordingly they are faced with a different type of entrepreneur."

According to Sariyev, the expectations of the population are quite high: “It is that we will finally have normal infrastructure and jobs again. These are processing plants for fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy. Then a foundation is being created to raise entrepreneurs by giving money to them. But there is a very interesting issue, because there is a very strong protest, because 50 to 100 thousand dollars and above will be allocated for each project. And there are no such businessmen in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, it is not clear for whom the money is intended, so the money is not used for the moment until the rate revision. And this raises suspicions that the money is for the Russian businessmen who will come to Kyrgyzstan. There are very few Kyrgyz businessmen who can invest 50 thousand dollars. There are many such conflicts, but in general, of course, every one sighed with relief, everyone is excited, turnover is increasing.”

Gulmira Ileouva, President of the Public Fund ‘Center for Social and Political Studies ‘Strategy’, noted: “Today the economic situation in Russia affects the situation in Kazakhstan. It is clear that this process won’t go too easily, we need to consider who is the driving force behind the integration process. Those countries that are actively involved in the process, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, are not in general against integration… Economic interests are a very important force. We need economic conditions that would be conducive to the development of horizontal relations. I think this is one of the main tools, because, in principle, ideologically this process is already sufficiently developed and worked through. In terms of understanding of the different social groups, we need a diversified approach to give an understanding to these groups. To do this, research is needed, sociological especially.”