Veronika Nikishina: "The success of Eurasian integration requires the formation of mutually beneficial trade relations with the EU on one side of the continent and with China on the other"

ArmInfo. Veronika Nikishina, member of the Board of Trade (Minister) for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), addressed the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union: A reality of divergence - potentials for coalescence? In the framework of the 5th Eastern Forum, which was held in Berlin on April 6.

Veronica Nikishina drew the listeners' attention to the fact that at the first stage of the formation of the Eurasian integration association, much work was done to form a single market, to remove internal barriers and obstacles.

Today, EEC is systematically working to build mutually beneficial relations with key partners from third countries. "Our Union entered a period of unprecedented trade and political activity and this is the trade policy of creating economic partnerships throughout Eurasia. We have no intention to play the leading role in this multinational process, rather, we invite all continental and non-continental partners to act together with us", the EEC Minister said, inviting all the participants of the round table to join in this process. "We see the space of a seamless economy, the facilitated movement of goods, capitals and people, as well as large-scale saving of resources for the benefit of structural reforms and social programs."

Veronika Nikishina noted that one of the important principles in choosing partners and concluding agreements is their inclusion in transport corridors and international cooperative networks. The reason for this is the geographical position of the Union, "occupying a huge space in the central part of Eurasia".

"We share not only the challenges of interconnectedness with partners, but also the overall goals of national development, such as innovative industrial growth, the creation of a new science-intensive agriculture, a digital economy, a new energy sector. These shared goals make our partnerships understandable, useful and supportive of public opinion, "the EEC Minister explained.

Veronika Nikishina noted that globalization and integration still remains the most important stimulus for the development of the economy. "We see the desire of the European Union to expand its presence in the Asian markets and China's readiness for the practical implementation of the concept" One belt - One way".  So, it is time to get together and start preparing an action plan to bring our development programs closer together without any political introductions and with an open invitation to those who are interested."