Mongolia Plans to Participate in the Eurasian Economic Union Led by Russia
Montsame, Ulaanbaatar, May 30 — During the Fifth Eurasian Economic Forum held in Astana, Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister N. Nomtai Bayar held an official meeting with Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Kazakh side of the Governmental Commission between Mongolia and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on implementing and achieving tangible results from the 18 intergovernmental and institutional documents signed during President U. Khurelsukh’s state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan in April this year, under which President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Khurelsukh agreed to expand and develop bilateral relations and cooperation. Within this framework, both parties decided to implement various possibilities aimed at further increasing trade volume beyond the existing 13% growth, and to expand cooperation in agriculture and transport-logistics sectors.
Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Aidarbek Saparov stated that Kazakhstan has the potential to export grain, vegetable oils, and other products, while also expressing interest in learning from Mongolia's rich experience in wool and cashmere production to develop related industries. He emphasized creating favorable conditions—through special economic zones, land-use rights, and tax incentives—for processing livestock raw materials and exporting high-value-added products.
The Deputy Prime Minister also met with Almaz Shakaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and noted that current bilateral trade volume—around $50 million—is insufficient. Therefore, he stressed the need to actively promote economic cooperation based on the potential resources and opportunities available on both sides. The two sides discussed revising the "Free Zone Law" to transform it into a Special Economic Zone, and expressed their intention to support Kazakhstani production and investment activities within such areas. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of rational transportation and logistics planning, as well as the possibility of participating in economic integration in the Eurasian region.
Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Almaz Shakaliyev stated that Kazakhstan intends to cooperate with Mongolia in agriculture, animal husbandry, and mineral processing, and exchanged views on directions for investment, trade, and economic collaboration.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister N. Nomtai Bayar attended the Fifth Eurasian Economic Forum held in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he delivered a speech.
Mongolia signed the Interim Free Trade Agreement between Mongolia, the Eurasian Economic Union, and its member states in 2025, which was subsequently approved by the full session of the State Great Hural.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the Mongolian government must establish a national artificial intelligence strategy and support investments in research and development, thereby setting a goal to shift the economy toward an information technology- and AI-driven structure, positioning Mongolia as a digital hub in Central Asia.
In addition, Mongolia stated that through the agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, it aims to diversify its foreign trade structure, expand export markets, and actively participate in international integration processes.
Deputy Prime Minister N. Nomtai Bayar pointed out that he believes the agreement will reduce long-standing tariffs and non-tariff barriers between the EAEU member states and Mongolia, enabling a broader range of goods to benefit from tariff-free access.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866632150966272/
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