BRICS, EAEC and SCO representatives discuss dozens of important topics at the CIS IEF

The formation of intercontinental transport infrastructure, the creation of a common economic space, the development of industry and healthcare - dozens of different topics are united by a common leitmotif at the 15th CIS International Economic Forum. "Dialogue of integrations" is the motto that expanded the geography of the event far beyond a single association. Representatives of the BRICS, SCO and EAEU countries were invited to join the discussion.

"Kyrgyzstan has consistently expressed its readiness to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, integration processes and multifaceted relations in the framework of such associations in order to make effective use of their creative potential. The Kyrgyz Republic sees this mission as its top priority during its current chairmanship of the CIS in 2023", said Adylbek Kasymaliyev, chairman of the CIS Economic Council and first deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

About 130 reports were presented at the forum. Many of them continued the theme of last year's meeting - tackling the green agenda. According to the participants of the event, a commitment to sustainable development in every sense will change the climate in the region: it will help the environment, ensure the development of national economies and strengthen international ties.

“The draft joint action plan for the development and implementation of green technologies within the CIS, prepared by the Republic of Kazakhstan and supplemented by Uzbek colleagues, aroused great interest among the commonwealth countries. It seems that in 2023 this plan could be submitted to the CIS supreme bodies for consideration," said Theodore Iovu, deputy director of the CIS Executive Committee's economic department.

The participants also focused on creating an overall sustainability rating for the region. There are some 600 company ESG assessment systems around the world today, but none of them is comprehensive and all-encompassing. In their discussions, diplomats, businessmen, representatives of analytical companies and the academic community came to the conclusion that a unified approach to rating is necessary.

"We need to follow simple rules that are as clear to everyone in the world as traffic light signals. I think that with a new common standard and following it, it will really make it easier for companies to integrate and everyone will benefit," stressed Sammy Kotwani, president of the India Business Alliance.

On another platform, the forum discussed the stimulation of the green economy talent pool. Solutions include the creation of educational platforms, courses for professional development and the dissemination of green thinking internationally.

"Governments have now become aware of the need for a green workforce, but the concept alone is not enough. We need people to realise already: we need green life, because the planet is one," said Yin Bing, chairman of the education committee of the BRICS Joint Centre for Business Cooperation.

Business councils can be drivers of economic integration between states. It is they who transmit the common position of the business community to government bodies and international associations, and thus form a solid foundation in the countries' economic interests and their cooperation in the Greater Eurasia format.

“Today we are integrating within the business community, and we will raise this agenda, we will say that this communication that took place today should already be expanded. Expand and maybe pass the baton to the SCO, BRICS, and hold events with the participation of entrepreneurs every year at their sites," said Vadim Ganin, director general of the CIS Business Centre for Economic Development.

The signing of several agreements confirms the seriousness of the joint plans. Among those who have agreed to cooperate with the CIS Business Centre for Economic Development are the Secretariat of the SCO Business Council and the BRICS International Alliance of Strategic Projects.

Photo: TV BRICS