Abylgaziev instructs to work out in detail plan of measures to use status of GSP +

Bishkek, July 12, 2018. / Kabar /. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Mukhammedkaliy Abylgaziev held a working meeting on the export of goods to the countries of the European Union within the framework of the obtained Generalized System of Preferences + (GSP +) status, the Kyrgyz Government’s press service reported.

The head of government noted that this status opens up opportunities for unhindered export of domestic products to the markets of European countries.

In addition, according to him, the GSP + contributes to the investment attractiveness of the country, as it complies with the requirements of international conventions in the field of human rights, environmental protection and labor protection.

The Prime Minister said that Kyrgyzstan has sufficient potential for export to the EU countries, primarily agricultural goods, as well as textile, felt products, etc.

Along with this, Abylgaziev noted that for today only a small part of the overall advantages of the status of the GSP + are used. Preferences are not used fully.

Minister of Economy Oleg Pankratov said that this status provides duty-free access for more than 6 thousand commodity items.

According to statistics, in 2016 the total volume of exports to the EU countries amounted to $ 72.3 million, excluding gold exports, of which only 4.4% ( $3.2 million) was cleared at a preferential tariff rate under the preferences of the GSP + regime.

Oleg Pankratov said that the main problems for domestic exporters are the availability of technical barriers to obtaining supporting documents, as well as the high transportation costs.

The Prime Minister noted the particular importance of conducting broad explanatory work among entrepreneurs, as well as assisting them in using preferences within the GSP + status.

"We must promote those goods that will differ in the European market among the rest and will be of interest to potential buyers. We need to conduct systematic work in this direction," said Abylgaziev.

Abylgaziev instructed to draft a detailed plan of measures aimed at increasing exports to EU countries within the framework of the holder of the GSP + status in two weeks time.