Mishustin's EAEU address Growth and market decisions

Oct 2

Introduced by Bektenov, Mikhail Mishustin recalls Putin's earlier integration priority and presents a positive EAEU economic assessment: first-half GDP growth above 1%, mutual trade up 10% in January–July and national currencies accounting for about 95% of goods settlements. He describes industrial-cooperation benefits and the previous day's INNOPROM commitment. He says food self-sufficiency exceeds 93%, describes extending industrial-project support to agriculture and announces joint agricultural forecasts and balances for this year and next. He reports a transport-project-list update including the Nevel–Gatchina railway and northwestern seaports, and urges maritime electronic documentation. He compares gas prices of about $900 per thousand cubic metres in Europe with no more than $200 in member states, attributing an advantage to the common energy market. He announces electricity-rule amendments and expected efficiency and cross-border-trade benefits. He reports free-trade negotiations with India and Tunisia and interest from SCO, ASEAN and African partners, then requests regular EEC implementation reports and pre-meeting consensus. His figures, comparisons and predicted benefits remain attributed; talks and anticipated gains are not completed agreements or results.

Mishustin reports free-trade-area negotiations with India and Tunisia, describes growing interest from SCO and ASEAN countries and sees prospects with African partners. He advocates predictable equal partnerships and fewer tariff barriers. This is an October 2 negotiations-status statement; it establishes no new signed free-trade agreement.