MOSCOW, 28 March (BelTA) – Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavel Utyupin outlined tasks the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is facing as he spoke at the plenary session of the CIS International Economic Forum in Moscow on 28 March, BelTA learned.
Pavel Utyupin highlighted that CIS countries achieved significant economic results in 2024: GDP growth in the CIS exceeded the global average. He noted that the potential for developing trade and economic relations between CIS member states and other regional organizations is substantially higher. "Therefore, we are facing serious work to implement reached agreements and fulfill our obligations," he emphasized.
"I believe the CIS countries should focus on such areas as further development of a free trade zone for services, removing barriers to mutual trade, ensuring technological sovereignty and food security, promoting industrial cooperation, implementing import-substitution projects, creating new transport corridors and expanding the capacity of existing ones, building an independent, stable, and secure regional monetary, financial and payment system, reaching higher levels of solidarity in countering illegal sanction pressures from third countries, and extensive adoption of innovations," Pavel Utyupin stated.
According to him, one of the major priorities for regional integration is close cooperation in digital development, as well as scientific, technological, and innovation cooperation. "In the context of the global technological race, the CIS countries face the necessity of accelerated transition to a knowledge economy. In order to remain competitive, it is crucial to concentrate efforts on promising areas where our countries have unique competencies and occupy market niches. Despite the historical ties, the potential for such cooperation has not been fully realized. In light of modern challenges, joint implementation of scientific and technical programs and projects in information and communication technologies, microelectronics, new materials, robotics, electric transport, additive technologies, high-tech medicine, new energy, and space technologies is essential," he concluded.
Pavel Utyupin highlighted that CIS countries achieved significant economic results in 2024: GDP growth in the CIS exceeded the global average. He noted that the potential for developing trade and economic relations between CIS member states and other regional organizations is substantially higher. "Therefore, we are facing serious work to implement reached agreements and fulfill our obligations," he emphasized.
"I believe the CIS countries should focus on such areas as further development of a free trade zone for services, removing barriers to mutual trade, ensuring technological sovereignty and food security, promoting industrial cooperation, implementing import-substitution projects, creating new transport corridors and expanding the capacity of existing ones, building an independent, stable, and secure regional monetary, financial and payment system, reaching higher levels of solidarity in countering illegal sanction pressures from third countries, and extensive adoption of innovations," Pavel Utyupin stated.
According to him, one of the major priorities for regional integration is close cooperation in digital development, as well as scientific, technological, and innovation cooperation. "In the context of the global technological race, the CIS countries face the necessity of accelerated transition to a knowledge economy. In order to remain competitive, it is crucial to concentrate efforts on promising areas where our countries have unique competencies and occupy market niches. Despite the historical ties, the potential for such cooperation has not been fully realized. In light of modern challenges, joint implementation of scientific and technical programs and projects in information and communication technologies, microelectronics, new materials, robotics, electric transport, additive technologies, high-tech medicine, new energy, and space technologies is essential," he concluded.
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