S.Naryshkin: Public support for the Eurasian project is an answer to all enemies of integration

Eurasian economic integration is gaining strength, so now not only CIS countries but also the whole world display interest in this process, said Speaker Sergei Naryshkin opening the “parliamentary hearings” in the State Duma.

Eurasian economic integration is gaining strength, so now not only CIS countries but also the whole world display interest in this process, said Speaker Sergei Naryshkin opening the “parliamentary hearings” in the State Duma.

“Integration processes in the CIS are evolving in different formats and at different speed – from a free trade area to the Customs Union, common economic space and the Union State of Russia and Belarus,” noted Sergei Naryshkin. “Each of the states defines the form of integration participation by itself as it is their sovereign right, and all the partners treat this right with great respect”. According to the Speaker, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, which in 2010 established the Customs Union, are forming a common economic space, a common market for goods, services, labor and capital. By January 1st, 2015 we are to form a Eurasian economic union. “In some areas there are obvious positive results, and they can be observed even against the crisis and post-crisis processes that are taking place in the global economy,” said Sergey Naryshkin.

In addition, while the volume of trade between the countries of the Common Economic Space increases, its pattern changes. The share of machinery, lathes, equipment is almost 10 times higher than in trade with other countries. The State Duma, stressed Naryshkin, also performs its function to ensure the work of the Customs Union and formation of the common economic space, which includes priority ratification of relevant agreements and harmonization of the three countries’ legislation.

On April 11th, 2013 St. Petersburg, on the initiative of the State Duma, hosted an international forum “Eurasian Economic Outlook”. Similar debates are held on other sites as well. Thus, supporters of Eurasian integration form a Russian and international public platforms. “Public support for the Eurasian project is the best answer to its opponents and enemies, including those who contrast European with Eurasian integration,” stressed Sergey Naryshkin. “But Europe is a part of Eurasia, which means that from a historical perspective the European vector of development will become an integral part of Eurasian integration process”. The speaker pointed out that from the very beginning the Customs Union countries tend to harmonize integration processes within the European Union and the Common Economic Space.

Maria Sokolova, “Parlamentskaya Gazeta”, 18.04.2013