It is necessary to avoid both unreasonable stimulation of import and regressive closure of the markets, Ara Nranyan, member (minister) of the Eurasian Economic Commission (ECC) Board, said at the VIII Astana Economic Forum on May 21.
He thinks that the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) countries should maintain the balance between the national and supranational interests and to ensure benefits for the ordinary consumers. "Reasonable competition is needed to enhance the competitiveness of the national producers, unambiguously ensuring benefits for the ordinary consumers. If we have chosen the path of integration, we should be ready to take joint steps with due regard for common interests," he said.
Nranyan believes that the integration process will eventually lead to division of labor within the EEU, which is quite natural because not a single country, no matter how big or developed it is, can be competitive in all fields.
He also stressed the need to actively use the format of the Advisory Board's activities and emphasized the important role of the EEU Business Council in this matter.
The minister recalled the opportunities for development of Armenian-Kazakh economic relations. He said that the two countries' businessmen are not so well aware of each other's capacities. Meanwhile, each country has its own advantages, which will be interesting to the potential partners. The exchange of industrial goods, agricultural products, services, as well as development of mutual tourism will not only expand the borders of the two countries' economies, but will also create a good atmosphere for a dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan.