By Svetlana Chekanova, exclusively for Gazeta.kz
Our Karaganda correspondent delivers an exclusive interview with the Head of the European Commission Delegation to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the Ambassador Adriaan van der Meer.
- Ambassador van der Meer, how would you evaluate the current state of political and economic relations between Kazakhstan and European Union?
- I am glad to the fact that during last 1.5 years we can mark a new period in the EU-Kazakhstan relations. European Union somehow always was present in the country starting from the moment when Kazakhstan became independent.
But last year our interest became obvious. It may seem incredible but turning back we understand that only in 2006 person working on political level of European Commission and responsible for energy sector specially came to Kazakhstan. Of course, earlier work in energy sector was carried out always but this particular visit, in fact, 2 visits which were done last year appear to me without doubts a sign that at this moment relations will develop a lot more actively.
Also as sign event we could measure a visit of President Nazarbayev to Brussels in December 2006 when all cards were put on the table and the intentions to work together on many questions including political and economic, scientific and cosmic became obvious. Concrete example: 4 weeks ago the delegation from Brussels arrived in Kazakhstan to give out lectures in Almaty and Astana universities to show youth how Kazakhstan could be actively participate in researches carried out by EU.
The second example is that for the first time we have an option to give business-companies including oil companies to participate in innovation projects. Also the following could serve as an example: in academic year 2008 we will invest about EUR 4.4 million into students and teachers exchange program. Of course, there is a lot of work which have necessary to be done in different spheres but we try our best we could do.
- How do you think, the EU enlargement itself from political and economic point of view influenced Kazakhstan positively or negatively?
- In whole the process of EU enlargement is unique. I would offer you to contact my colleagues from Poland, Lithuania and other countries - new member states - that they can complain how hard they work to become full member of the European Commission because it is very difficult process.
There are three so-called Copenhagen Criteria: complete full democracy in the country, necessity of the different levels economy, bringing the legislation and administrative reforms in correspondence with EU standards and requirements which means to adopt more then 80 000 pages of laws and regulations.
But it is not enough: it is also necessary to prove that the government and the country have an option to realize and put into practice these laws. In whole it means the complete transition process which is more or less painful for the countries. But from geopolitical point of view the EU accession process itself, new member states restructuring and reorganizing is very significant.
From EU member states point of view, Kazakhstan has very perspective and rich market. Thus, chocolate produced by Kazakhstan producers correspond with EU standards and can freely circulate and be sold on all EU territory competing with Portugal chocolate. And, of course, this principle of free market without any limitations or difficulties is a key element in EU integration idea itself.
- What are EU forecasts - when Kazakhstan really could receive a status of a country with market economy and enter the WTO? In Kazakhstan one may say that probably by this year.
- Talking about status of a country with market economy, our experts came to Kazakhstan and they will give a conclusion on this occasion. Talking about WTO accession, there is natural negotiations process between Kazakhstan and EU which goes right now. But what special is that if the country works with European Commission, it works together with 27 countries at one time. Nevertheless there are important negotiations ahead, especially, in service sector.
Of course, the primary work is already done; fundament is placed; now we have to find compromises to solve more hard and final questions. European Commission and Kazakhstan representatives defend their own view but I think they can find a solution that suits everybody.
- Do you help only Kazakhstan to enter WTO or there are programs for other countries?
- We support only those countries who wish and interest.
- What is main thing that causes obstacles for Kazakhstan to enter right away?
- It is not about obstacles, but about negotiations and options. At the moment we expect that Kazakhstan opportunities will correspond with requirements needed to access. In spite of accession negotiations we also offer assistance, for instance, in legislative sphere. And our main task is to inform Kazakhstan business circles about all preferences and results which WTO accession brings to them.
- Who do you think enter WTO first: we or Russia?
- Everything depends on the negotiations process. I think both parties access nearly at the same time.
Information:
Kazakhstan applied for WTO accession in 1996. The negotiation process lasts 10 years now and finally goes to an end.
During this time 33 legislations were adopted in the country and 5 is under examination. Protocols on negotiations closure on more then 10 WTO countries market access were signed. It is expected that next year the republic could become world trade system full member.
One of the main aspects of WTO accession is harmonization of existing standards in correspondence with international standards. European Commission Delegation through the project "Kazakhstan WTO accession assistance: technical regulations and standards harmonization" has initiated a series of measures on population awareness increase about forthcoming WTO accession.
- What perspectives you see for making business in Kazakhstan?
- Of course, it is energy sector. Direct and highest investments will be done there. But there is also high quality modern and competitive technologies development.
Further on I can outline mineral recourse industry and service connected with this industry, for instance, banking service. I can easily say how the banking sector is being regulated in Kazakhstan because it is the best example. There are also few industries which Kazakhstani government sees as perspective for competitiveness increase.
I would suggest to Kazakhstani government to heighten the standard and improve the quality of manufactured production, but also start using international quality norms such as ISO. I would like to stress that we work actively to allow Kazakhstan to become a full member of the European Committee for Standardization. Thus, international quality standards adoption is a driving force for Kazakhstan accession to WTO.
- Could you tell us about joint projects of Kazakhstan and EU? What particular projects are supported by the European Commission?
- These are the projects on medicines, playthings safety, etc. It is necessary to put the legislation in accordance with international requirements. It is mostly technical process which needs thorough attention. That is why we are very thankful for all possible support, which the government provides, and think that this work will lead Kazakhstan to fastest integration into global economy.
Information:
European Commission Delegations work in 128 countries and jointly with 5 international organizations (such as United Nations, World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, etc).
They are accredited as diplomatic missions representing the European Commission - executive power of the European Union. The main task of the European Commission Delegation to Russia is to present the European Commission in the Russian Federation. The Delegation monitors and analyzes Russian policy and watches bilateral relations in political, economic, trade, financial, and technical cooperation spheres. At the same time the Delegation carries on negotiations under behalf of EU in compliance with given power.
Article is prepared with a help of Kazakhstan Newspaper Publishers Association
Illustration is provided by the European Commission Delegation to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
