OREANDA-NEWS. November 08, 2010. Brussels and Geneva hosted bilateral negations on Kazakhstan’s accession into the WTO. The Kazakh delegation was headed by Minister of Economic Trade and Industry Ms. Zhanar Aitzhanova.

Talks in Geneva resulted in signing of a protocol on completing bilateral negotiations with Ecuador, which is part of the working group on Kazakhstan’s accession. There had been four rounds of negotiations on customs duties levied on cut roses, tropic fruit (banana), juices, coffee, cocoa, fish and tobacco products. Ecuador is a major exporter of raw materials and agricultural produce of interest to Kazakhstan.

During the talks with the US delegation headed by Chris Wilson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East, the sides completed negotiations on access for goods and coordinated conditions of access for services in transport, construction and education. Bilateral negotiations with the USA are to be completed by the end of the year.

Besides, Kazakhstan has completed its WTO accession bilateral talks with the EU. The results of the negotiations have been sent to EU member state for coordination and a respective protocol is to be signed by the year end.

Results of the negotiations reflect Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting both investments and technology to facilitate economy diversification, notably through the state program, of accelerated industrial program.