More than 30% of sectors are already functioning in the EAEU single market of services

The day before, on December 26, a key meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC) chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was held in the Leningrad Region. The event was attended by the leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, heads of observer states, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev.

The meeting approved the Main Directions of the EAEU's international activities for 2025 - a backbone document that sets the vector of the Union's foreign economic policy. Priorities include deepening cooperation with neighboring countries, EAEU observers, as well as expanding dialogue with key integration associations in Eurasia, Africa and Latin America. Special attention is paid to transport connectivity through the development of Eurasian corridors and the creation of favorable conditions for business.

The UN, WTO, Mercosur, ASEAN and the African Union are named among the EAEU's partners. Cooperation with China, Iran, Vietnam and other countries will continue to develop within the framework of existing trade agreements.

One of the key decisions was the approval of the protocol amending the EAEU Treaty. The document is aimed at improving the effectiveness of special protective, anti-dumping and countervailing measures. The innovations provide for a balance of interests of all members of the Union and the introduction of flexible dispute settlement mechanisms.

As part of the report of the Eurasian Economic Commission, it was noted that 31% of service sectors are already operating in the single market. The main potential is concentrated in tourism, construction and property valuation. Minister Bakhyt Sultanov stressed that further liberalization of services creates new opportunities for business.

An agreement was signed on the creation of a unified system of customs transit with third countries, including a potential participant - Uzbekistan. The document is aimed at introducing digital technologies, increasing logistical connectivity and accelerating cargo transportation, which promises to reduce costs for business and improve the availability of goods.

Iran has been granted observer status at the EAEU, which indicates growing international interest in the organization. In addition, Belarus will assume the chairmanship of the EEU in 2025, and the next meeting of the council will be held in Minsk in May.