Sergei Lebedev. An archive photo
MOSCOW, 29 March (BelTA) – It is necessary to join efforts to sustain economic growth in the Commonwealth of Independent States, CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev said at the opening of the CIS International Economic Forum in Moscow, BelTA has learned.
According to Sergei Lebedev, the CIS countries have a unique opportunity to increase the production and export of agricultural products and foodstuffs. “Agroexpress that connects a number of CIS member states, can be extended to Iran, Pakistan, and India. The Commonwealth countries can become major suppliers of meat products to ASEAN countries,” he emphasized.
He also noted that the CIS countries used to have a strong light industry before they became dependent on imports. However, they retained experienced workforce, became well-versed in advanced technologies and learned to operate digital equipment. “We should use this unique opportunity and join forces in order to help our light industry establish a foothold on the global market,” he emphasized.
He also touched upon unresolved problems that could hamper efforts to ramp up exports to new markets. He urged to create an effective system of mutual settlements and bank payments to replace SWIFT. “I am sure that by joining efforts, we will be able to boost our economic growth and improve living standards of our peoples.”
The CIS International Economic Forum is underway in Moscow on 28-29 March. Its motto is “From Dialogue to Joint Projects in the CIS, EAEU, SCO”. It brought together more than 2,000 participants who discuss cooperation between the CIS countries in logistics, customs, construction, manufacturing, migration policy, healthcare, tourism, sustainable development and other areas. The forum is held with the support of the CIS Executive Committee. It is included in the action plan of Russia’s CIS Presidency concept for 2024.
According to Sergei Lebedev, the CIS countries have a unique opportunity to increase the production and export of agricultural products and foodstuffs. “Agroexpress that connects a number of CIS member states, can be extended to Iran, Pakistan, and India. The Commonwealth countries can become major suppliers of meat products to ASEAN countries,” he emphasized.
He also noted that the CIS countries used to have a strong light industry before they became dependent on imports. However, they retained experienced workforce, became well-versed in advanced technologies and learned to operate digital equipment. “We should use this unique opportunity and join forces in order to help our light industry establish a foothold on the global market,” he emphasized.
He also touched upon unresolved problems that could hamper efforts to ramp up exports to new markets. He urged to create an effective system of mutual settlements and bank payments to replace SWIFT. “I am sure that by joining efforts, we will be able to boost our economic growth and improve living standards of our peoples.”
The CIS International Economic Forum is underway in Moscow on 28-29 March. Its motto is “From Dialogue to Joint Projects in the CIS, EAEU, SCO”. It brought together more than 2,000 participants who discuss cooperation between the CIS countries in logistics, customs, construction, manufacturing, migration policy, healthcare, tourism, sustainable development and other areas. The forum is held with the support of the CIS Executive Committee. It is included in the action plan of Russia’s CIS Presidency concept for 2024.
