On June 23, 2023, a meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Moscow. During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on topical issues of economic cooperation in the Commonwealth and outlined promising areas for further cooperation. #energy news #green energy
In particular, they discussed the issue of updating the list of joint measures to respond to emerging challenges in a changing economic situation, digital transformation of the fuel and energy complex of the CIS member countries, the development of library and information space based on the CIS member countries’ border libraries, as well as organizational issues for the CIS Regions Forum.
“In the conditions of modern external challenges, it is extremely important to increase cooperation between our countries to ensure common technological and food security, support the growth of the standard of living of our citizens. According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Russia’s foreign trade turnover with the CIS countries in January-April 2023 amounted to 2.5 trillion rubles and increased by 12.5% compared to the same period in 2022. Exports amounted to 1.5 trillion rubles, imports – 1 trillion rubles,” said Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
The participants noted that thanks to the Agreement on Free Trade in Services signed during the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on June 8, 2023 in Sochi, it will be possible to ensure the sustainable development of the CIS free trade zone, as well as create favorable conditions for further economic growth of the CIS member states.
“The agreement will not only contribute to increasing mutual trade in services and investment cooperation, but also stimulate the development of commodity trade between our countries by increasing the availability and lowering the cost of services provided,” Dmitry Volvach said.
Among the important outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the priority action plan for 2023-2030 for the implementation of the Concept of Cooperation of the CIS member states in the field of renewable Energy Sources.
“The implementation of this plan will further strengthen the interaction of the CIS countries in the “green energy” and will help to make a smooth transition to low–carbon development,” Dmitry Volvach said.
Following the meeting, the participants adopted a long-term plan of joint work on exploration, use and protection of the subsoil of the CIS countries for 2023-2030. This document is intended to strengthen the interaction of geological services in the CIS, to build processes for the replenishment and effective use of the mineral resource base of the Commonwealth countries and the preservation of the geological heritage of the Earth.
