We must unite efforts within EAEU and jointly confront pandemic: Jeenbekov

Bishkek, Apr.14, 2020. /Kabar/. "It is the very moment at which we must unite all our efforts within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and jointly confront the pandemic and its negative consequences," Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said at a working meeting of members of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC). The SEEC meeting was held today, Apr. 14 in the format of videoconference. The Kyrgyz leader proposed a number of measures within the Union, aimed at consolidating joint efforts in the conditions of coronavirus infection spread. He stressed that in conditions of general isolation and forced closure of borders between the countries there is need to organize "green corridors" with the appropriate algorithm that will allow uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian cargo, foodstuffs and medical products. He also suggested defining a list of goods that would move freely between countries. The Kyrgyz President stressed the need to take a set of joint measures aimed at providing budgetary and tax incentives to businesses. "The Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Stabilization and Development Fund should be given special importance for the economies of our countries. In the current circumstances, it is necessary to reorient the work of these structures. I think it's time to review some principles of the Fund's work. There is need necessary to reduce the time for consideration of loans for budget support in crisis situations, and also to increase the share of financing on a grant basis," Sooronbay Jeenbekov stressed. At the same time, the Kyrgyz President suggested organizing joint work of the Union's medical services in order to promptly respond to the situation. "We consider it necessary for the Eurasian Economic Commission to zero import customs duties on medical devices. It would also be timely and expedient to do the same for socially important goods aimed at ensuring food security of the Union's countries," the President emphasized. The head of state noted a large number of citizens of the EAEU countries live and work in all countries of the Union and have found themselves in a difficult situation under the conditions of the pandemic. He suggested adopting a single mechanism of social and medical support for all EAEU citizens at this difficult time. Jeenbekov added that Kyrgyzstan is taking all necessary measures to prevent further spread of the disease. At the same time, there are problems in minimizing economic risks. "Today we face difficulties in social, trade and economic and migration areas. The measures taken in other countries to close borders have had an impact on foreign trade and, consequently, on budgetary revenues. In the first quarter of 2020, the volume of imports of goods from third countries to Kyrgyzstan decreased by 39%. We understand that the negative trend will continue. Compared to last year, customs revenues to the budget of the country have decreased by almost 40%. As a result, according to our forecasts, by the end of this year the reduction of revenues to the state budget will amount to about 25%," the head of state said. He emphasized that the legal framework of the Union allows taking measures to minimize the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy of the member states, as well as on the health and lives of citizens. "Restrictive measures should not turn into "economic isolation" within our Union. The EAEU single market should function without barriers, restrictions and exemptions. In our Union we have every opportunity to provide the population of our countries with the basic foodstuffs. There should be no restrictions on mutual trade in socially important goods within the EAEU," the Kyrgyz President noted. Jeenbekov expressed gratitude to the Russian and Kazakh leaders for the provided migration support and assistance in the return of Kyrgyz citizens to their homeland, as well as to Russia for the provision of medical test systems and the decision to allocate financial assistance to the national health care system within the Eurasian Fund. "The current situation is a test for our entire Union. I am convinced that with the joint efforts of our countries we will be able to take measures to overcome the pandemic," concluded President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. The working meeting, chaired by Belarus, focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus infection and ensuring economic stability in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). SEEC members are Presidents of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russia Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.