Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews delivered keynote remarks at the 3rd Annual Kazakhstan-U.S. Convention Lunch, hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan. He also participated in a bilateral meeting with Kazakhstan Minister of Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova.
During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Andrews discussed the importance of the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Kazakhstan and congratulated Kazakhstan on its recent accession to the World Trade Organization.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon. Thank you, Ambassador Umarov, for inviting me to be here today.
On behalf of Secretary Pritzker and the entire Department of Commerce, I want to begin by congratulating Kazakhstan on its accession to the World Trade Organization. The United States was proud to support its entry, and we are thrilled that Kazakhstan’s membership became official last month. I look forward to seeing how our increased cooperation through the WTO will spur greater prosperity in both of our nations.
I also want to acknowledge the members of the business community here today. While governments can help set the conditions for economic growth, we know that your efforts ultimately create prosperity and jobs in both of our nations.
At the Department of Commerce, we appreciate the vital role that the private sector – including the U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Association and its members – can play in encouraging market reform efforts and creating a thriving commercial environment in Kazakhstan.
That is why, earlier this year, our team in Astana organized the first ever U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Forum, which highlighted three sectors with significant growth potential: agribusiness, infrastructure, and energy.
Today’s convention is another opportunity to strengthen the already excellent ties between our nations.
The fact is, Kazakhstan has become an increasingly important partner and friend to the United States. It plays a critical role in strengthening global security and economic connections in Central and South Asia. I commend Kazakhstan on its regional leadership, and on its efforts to work with all its neighbors and regional counterparts.
Just as Kazakhstan has invested heavily in building relationships across the region and around the globe, it is also investing billions of dollars in critical infrastructure projects. These investments will support and expedite the movement of goods and people across the country’s vast territory.
For example, the Khorgos East Gate project created a visa- and duty-free cultural and trading zone between Kazakhstan and China. And plans for three new rail line projects, four new highway projects, and two upgraded airstrips are already underway.
These investments in physical infrastructure are important, but building a more economically integrated and prosperous region requires more than just roads and bridges. It requires “soft infrastructure” as well – the policies necessary to facilitate the flow of people, goods, and financing.
Kazakhstan’s access to the WTO will provide clarity and confidence to traders in the long-term as they seek new commercial opportunities in your country. But the reality is that many companies looking to do business across the entire Central Asian region still face numerous regulatory and infrastructure barriers.
We hope that Kazakhstan will take advantage of its new role as both a WTO and Eurasian Economic Union member and exercise its regional leadership to expedite the elimination of these barriers.
To facilitate this, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program created the Central Asia-Afghanistan Working Groups – focused on customs, standards, and sanitary and phyto sanitary measures.
I want to personally thank the Government of Kazakhstan for its continued enthusiasm, participation, and leadership in this project. I look forward to expanding our collaboration within these groups.
Our Department – and the U.S. Government as a whole – strongly supports deepened trade and investment ties with Kazakhstan. We believe that fully unlocking the potential of our bilateral commercial relationship will require a more stable and transparent business environment in Kazakhstan.
To that end, we hope to see implementation of Kazakhstan’s WTO commitments and the fulfillment of President Nazarbayev’s “100 Steps” plan of economic reform – and the United Stated stands ready to support Kazakhstan every step of the way.
Through initiatives like our Special American Business Internship Training program and the Central Asia-Afghanistan Working Groups, we are ready to help Kazakhstan create a more open and transparent business climate in the region.
As Kazakhstan eliminates more barriers to trade and companies gain more confidence in its market, trade will increase. And as trade increases, so will inbound investment – but that takes time.
One way to speed up this process is by extending investment incentives that are currently available for new investors to current investors. Kazakhstan should not only court new investment but support companies already successfully operating in the market.
These firms will find it easier to ramp up their already successful investments and will ultimately be Kazakhstan’s biggest advocates within the business community. Through their success, they will show other potential investors that Kazakhstan is a good place to do business.
Let me close by saying this: Kazakhstan, with its rich human and natural resources, and its strong record of macroeconomic reform, has much to offer investors.
As the country implements its WTO commitments, the United States Government will work to ensure that American companies are aware of the new opportunities in Kazakhstan.
Ultimately, a strong, independent, and vibrant Kazakhstan will strengthen the security, freedom, and prosperity of not only its people and the broader Central Asian region, but the United States as well.
Again, I want to congratulate Kazakhstan on its progress and its accession to the WTO. Thank you.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
