Mutual trade within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) could surpass $100 billion in 2026, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said.
Speaking during an address, Tokayev noted that trade between EAEU member states exceeded $95 billion last year, with growth projected at around 6%, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.
He also said the combined GDP of EAEU countries is expected to grow by about 2.5% in 2026–2027, despite what he described as a slowdown in the global economy.
“According to the IMF report, global economic growth has been revised downward to 3% this year,” Tokayev said, adding that the bloc must strengthen resilience and competitiveness in response to external pressures.
Tokayev also backed a more selective approach to expanding partnerships and granting observer status within the bloc.
“In my view, partners for creating a free trade zone… should be selected in a more selective manner,” he said, echoing a proposal by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
He stressed that new partners should meet clear criteria and bring tangible benefits to the union.
The Kazakh leader also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with countries in the Arab world, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, noting ongoing negotiations with India on a free trade agreement.
Source: caliber.az
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