Uzbekistan has been an observer state in the EAEU for more than a year and a half. Neighbouring countries – Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan became full members of this international organisation in 2015. Tashkent should follow the example of its neighbours, political analyst Igor Dubovsky believes.
In an interview with the CentralAsia.news editorial staff, the expert concisely described the EAEU, focusing on the prospects for expanding its geography, including various partnership agreements. Uzbekistan would use all the levers to boost its economy if it joined the EAEU.
Time-tested
Igor Dubovsky emphasised that the EAEU is not at all a young international organisation. Its predecessor is the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), founded in 2001.
“In fact, the EAEU has become the next stage in the development of cooperation among the member states, aimed at modernizing national economies, building up cooperation and increasing the competitive advantages of national economies, which will lead to a qualitative improvement in the standard of living of their populations,” the interlocutor explained.
In the modern world, it is no longer possible to strictly separate internal economic processes from international organisations, Dubovsky said. The EAEU is firmly embedded in the lives of its members. Russia plays a significant role in ensuring stability.
“Given the destruction of the global political and economic system and against the backdrop of the pandemic and confrontation between the collective West and Russia, the EAEU begins to play an increasing role in enhancing internal economic relations of the member states as well as promoting them on the outer perimeter. The growing influence and attractiveness of the EAEU is ensured by the reliability of the Union and member states, as well as political and economic stability of Russia,” Dubovsky noted.
The attractive Union
The political scientist believes that Tashkent should keep in mind that a number of states are not only considering the options for membership in the EAEU, some are considering the creation of free trade zones with the member states. Since its foundation, the EAEU has proven itself on a global scale. Reduction of transportation logistics costs and preferences – all this cannot but interest the authorities of the countries that contribute to boosting exports and national economy.
“Today, Vietnam, Serbia and Singapore have free trade zones (FTZs) on their territory. FTZ negotiations are being conducted with Egypt, Israel, India, China, Mongolia and Thailand. Chile, Tunisia, Laos, Syria and Indonesia are showing great interest in creating a FTZ,” the political scientist noted.
Uzbekistan on the road
The expert stressed that the EAEU is a structure that merges the potential of the member states without a hint of infringement of anyone’s sovereignty. Equal rights are granted to the members by neither the territory nor the economic growth rate.
“The Union ensures the free movement of migrant workers within its borders. This is a critical factor for a number of Asian countries in the existing reality. Therefore, the decision of Uzbekistan to start integrating into the EAEU is very timely and beneficial in all aspects,” the expert believes.
Dubovsky noted that the geographical location of the Republic requires it to promote close ties with its neighbours. This is directly related to security of Uzbekistan, as well as logistics development aimed at expanding exports. Each of the EAEU Member States will benefit from an increase in their number.
The political scientist said Uzbekistan has almost tripled its economy over the decades of independence. Nevertheless, the standard of living in the country is far from high. Dubovsky noted that “the underdevelopment of economic ties and the cut off of the Republic from free communication lines” hinder further breakthrough.
“The removal of customs barriers within the EAEU, a significant reduction of customs duties and other payments and the unification of customs and certification regulations will contribute to increasing economic resilience of Uzbekistan, replenishing the budget and improving the standard and quality of life of the populations,” Dubovsky outlined the prospects.
The expert added that Tashkent has no alternative other than the EAEU, and the search for such an alternative will be absolutely inappropriate.
