Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus to Implement Non-Discriminatory Railway and Oil Pipeline Tariffs

As of January 1, 2013, Kazakh companies will enjoy non-discriminatory access to railway and oil pipeline transportation in Russia and Belarus, marking a significant development in regional economic integration. This decision comes as part of the Common Economic Space (CES) initiative, aimed at creating a single market with standardized tariffs. Kazakh Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zhanar Aitzhanova announced the plan, stating that standardized tariffs would be applied to imports, exports, and in-country transportation services.

Key Takeaways:

• Kazakh companies will have access to Russia's and Belarus's domestic tariffs on railway and oil pipeline transportation starting January 1, 2013.
• The implementation of standardized tariffs is part of the Common Economic Space (CES) initiative, aimed at creating a single market.
• Kazakh Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zhanar Aitzhanova stated that the standardized tariffs will apply to imports, exports, and in-country transportation services.
• The new system does not mean that the three countries will introduce equal tariffs for transportation by rail and oil pipelines, as Kazakh and Russian tariffs will continue to use different pricing methods.
• Kazakh producers will be able to enjoy the same tariffs applied to national companies in Russia and Belarus, and vice versa.
• The Kazakh government approved the draft agreements relating to the creation of the Common Economic Space on December 7, 2012.

Statistics:

• January 1, 2013: Kazakh companies will gain access to railway and oil pipeline transportation in Russia and Belarus.
• 2013: Standardized tariffs will be applied to imports, exports, and in-country transportation services within the CES.
• 2012: Kazakh government approved the draft agreements relating to the creation of the Common Economic Space.
• 3: Number of countries participating in the CES initiative, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus.

Sources:

• Interfax-Kazakhstan, December 8, 2012.
• Kazakh Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zhanar Aitzhanova.