Kazakhstan-Russia trade turnover hits $27.4 bln in 2025 – ministerTrade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia reached $27.4 billion in 2025, Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev said following a meeting between the two countries’ prime ministers.According to the Analytical Center of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, bilateral trade stood at $27.8 billion in 2024, indicating a 1.4% decline in 2025.“At the same time, the goal is to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion. In this regard, we discussed measures, sectors and areas of the economy that could drive additional growth. These include energy, trade, transport and logistics,” Shakkaliyev said, citing a government press service statement.He added that the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Interregional Cooperation is scheduled to take place this year in Omsk.Meanwhile, Kazakh Deputy Finance Minister Yerzhan Birzhanov, speaking after the talks, commented on cooperation in digitalizing the two countries’ customs systems.“Physical inspections have been eliminated in the tracking of transit shipments. The project is expected to be expanded. We are guided by economic efficiency to ensure businesses can operate without barriers or excessive controls. New digital solutions are being introduced. For example, since February 11, a navigation seals project has been launched,” Birzhanov said.He added that in the railway sector, the processing of permits and declarations has already moved to an electronic format. All waybills are planned to be digitized, which is expected to improve transparency in mutual trade.According to Birzhanov, 30 border crossing points on the Kazakh side are currently undergoing modernization. The work is being synchronized with Russia, with no closures during repairs. Expanding traffic lanes and equipping crossings with modern technology is expected to improve border control and reduce cargo processing times.“Our shared goal is to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion annually,” Birzhanov said.Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Astana on a working visit on Wednesday. On March 26-27, he is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Shymkent. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX