EAEU Intergovernmental Council's meeting announces 4% GDP growth of member states

A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council was held in Kazakhstan in a closed format. The heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states discussed current issues of cooperation within the union.

During the meeting, the parties emphasised that the EAEU's GDP has shown steady growth, with preliminary figures indicating a 4 per cent increase by the end of 2024. This was reported by the press service of the Kazakh government.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, in his welcoming address, congratulated Belarus on assuming the EAEU Chairmanship in 2025. He expressed confidence that the decisions made would provide fresh impetus to integration processes.

In turn, the Prime Minister of Belarus, Roman Golovchenko, stated that his country’s chairmanship would focus on strengthening joint efforts in all areas of integration. His remarks were reported by BelTA, a partner of TV BRICS.

“We will traditionally try to pay special attention to the development of a common cooperative industrial space, the implementation of joint projects on the already adopted decisions to support industry, agriculture, to make additional efforts in such an important area today as the digital transformation of the economy”

Roman Golovchenko Prime Minister of Belarus

In connection with the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Kazakhstan, a series of bilateral meetings also took place. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin held talks with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The Kazakh Prime Minister highlighted the increase in trade turnover between the two countries, which has exceeded US$27 billion.

"Mutual investment has been following a steady upward trajectory. Over the past 20 years, Russian investors contributed over US$25 billion to Kazakhstan’s economy as foreign direct investment, while companies from Kazakhstan invested US$8.7 billion in the Russian economy over the same period"

Olzhas Bektenov Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

Mishustin identified key areas for furthering Moscow-Astana relations, noting the successful implementation of joint projects in industry, energy, and transport infrastructure.

"Kazakhstan and Russia are key transit hubs for Eurasia. We attach special importance to developing the North–South international corridor. I am convinced that it will emerge as a global transport artery and will benefit countries across the Eurasian region. This will place Kazakhstan on Eurasia’s crossroads"

Mikhail Mishustin Prime Minister of Russia

Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, also arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in the meeting. During discussions with Bektenov, it was noted that Iran’s observer status in the EAEU, granted in December last year, has contributed to the expansion of bilateral relations.

"Iran and Kazakhstan are linked geographically and territorially. A constructive political dialogue has been established between the leaders of our countries. The Heads of State have set a goal for the governments to increase bilateral trade to US$3 billion. For our part, we are ready for a comprehensive discussion on expanding bilateral cooperation"

Mohammad Reza Aref First Vice President of Iran

The Iranian official also met with the Belarusian Prime Minister in Almaty. Golovchenko stated that Belarus aims to implement projects in Iran related to machinery production, including tractors, combine harvesters, buses, and electric buses. He proposed leveraging Belarus’ experience in electric transport development.

On 31 January, the heads of government of EAEU member states participated in the annual Digital Almaty forum. This is a major innovation and technology event within the Commonwealth of Independent States, bringing together representatives from business, government, the IT sector, media, and international experts.

Photo: government.ru