Kazakhstan completed negotiations with Argentine and Saudi Arabia on entering WTO

Negotiations on Kazakhstan entering the World Trade Organization (WTO) were held in Geneva, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the secretariat of Kazakhstan Ministry of Economic Integration. Bilateral negotiations with Argentine on conditions of access to the market after Kazakhstan's ascent into the WTO were completed. The protocol on the results of the negotiations was signed by Kazakhstan Minister of Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova and the permanent representative of Argentine in the WTO and other international organizations in Geneva Alberto D'Alotto. According to the Ministry, bilateral negotiations with Saudi Arabia were completed as well. Signing of the protocol is scheduled for the second half of March in Er-Riyadh. The negotiations with Saudi Arabia covered the customs duties on import of commodities that are of commercial interest to Saudi Arabia. These are mainly petrochemical products, conditioners, cables, mineral fertilizers, sea food and several other types of goods exported by the country. Saudi Arabia mainly supplies technical oils to Kazakhstan market and Kazakhstan traditionally supplies barley and steel. The agreement was also reached with Saudi Arabia on cinditions for access of foreign companies to Kazakhstan market of transport and energy services. During the negotiations Kazakhstan delegation met with WTO Director General Pascal Lamy. He noted that Kazakhstan's entrance into the WTO was a priority and assured that the secretariat would render all possible support and assistance to ensure completion of the negotiations by the end of this year.