Bishkek, Aug 7.08.26 /Kabar/. Mutual trade between the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is expected to reach $102 billion this year, a 7.3% increase compared to last year. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov spoke at expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata.
According to him, in 2025, mutual trade within the EAEU would reach $95 billion, a decrease of 3.5%.
"The free movement of goods is one of the fundamental principles of Eurasian integration. Mutual trade remains a key factor in the economic growth of the union's member states," Bektenov said.
The head of the Kazakh government noted the importance of developing digital trade mechanisms in the current environment. He expressed support for the adoption of an agreement within the EAEU on electronic commerce.
According to him, the implementation of the document will facilitate the development of e-commerce, expand business opportunities, and create favorable conditions for entering partner countries' markets.
Bektenov also emphasized the need to apply artificial intelligence technologies in the EAEU's integrated information system. He stated that these technologies can be used to analyze trade dynamics, identify key trade trends, and optimize freight flows and transport routes.
According to the Kazakh PM, the list of common information processes currently includes 79 items. Of these, 50 provide for joint action, and 23 involve all EAEU member states.
Bektenov also placed special emphasis on the development of the food industry. According to him, by the end of 2025, Kazakhstan's exports of animal and plant products, as well as finished food products, totaled approximately $7 billion. This figure reached $3.6 billion from January to May 2026.
Kazakh PM also noted the importance of forming a common financial market for the EAEU. In this regard, he emphasized the significance of the agreement, which will allow brokers and dealers from one member state to participate in trading on the exchanges of other countries on equal terms with participants in their markets.
"Today we will sign this important agreement. I am confident that its implementation will make a significant contribution to the formation of the union's common financial market," Bektenov said.
He noted that the development of digitalization and artificial intelligence is one of Kazakhstan's strategic priorities. He added that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the country.
Bektenov also announced the implementation of a project in Astana aimed at developing digital infrastructure. According to him, it aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as one of the digital centers of Eurasia.
Kazakh PM stated that, as part of the country's chairmanship of the EAEU bodies, work will continue to improve the effectiveness of economic integration and strengthen the potential and relevance of the Eurasian Economic Union.
He expressed confidence that the documents adopted following today's meeting will make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of EAEU member states and the achievement of their goals.
