Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012

2011: Data and ReviewsEU are less than half the existing customs tariff in Russia. Russia also plans toestablish a free trade area with the EU in future. Ukraine has not yet announcedany restrictions on trade with Russia it may consider if this comes to fruition.On June 6, 2011 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych established a specialworking group on boosting cooperation with the Customs Union of Russia,Belarus and Kazakhstan. Within two months the working group will draft astrategy of interaction between the CU and Ukraine on a 3+1 basis. Ukraineplans to sign a free trade area agreement with the EU by the end of 2011. Russiainvited Ukraine to join the CU, and Kyiv expressed its readiness to cooperatewith the CU, but only on a 3+1 basis.Belarus streamlines border controls with RussiaApril 1, 2011Kommersant-Online, Kursiv.kzTransport checks on the Belarusian-Russian border ceased from April 1,allowing cars to cross the border without stopping and without the need forspecial documents. From now on transport control will be performed onlyat the external border of the Union State. More than half of the 11 transportcheckpoints have been shut down and the five remaining points are equippedonly with weighing systems.Russia and Belarus have agreed that Belarusian specialists will check carriers’special permits for entry into Russia, for transportation of dangerous goods andfor heavy-duty and large vehicles, in accordance with Russian standards.The decision to eliminate transport controls between the two countries was takenduring a meeting of the Customs Union Commission on March 14, 2011.Kazakhstan and Russia have also agreed to transfer all transport checks to theexternal border of the CU by July 1, 2011.Expert Online, top.rbc.ruKyrgyz Government welcomes country’s accession to Customs UnionApril 11, 2011The government of Kyrgyzstan decided to launch the process of accession to theCU and the SES of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. On April 11, the governmentset up a commission to negotiate the accession process taking into accountKyrgyzstan’s sensitive products and economic sectors. Meeting delegatesnoted that integration with countries of the Eurasian Economic Community wasa priority for Kyrgyzstan. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia reportedly accountfor 44.9% of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade. The Kyrgyz government is to file amembership application with the EurAsEC Interstate Council.236 EDB Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012