Tag "Customs Union"
The East African Community needs to focus on concrete objectives
Regional governments should enact swift economic policies to bring forward much needed progress within the EAC framework.
Eurasian Economic Union jeopardised by trade war
Fears of Russia’s declining ruble led Belarus’ government to impose a 30 percent commission on the purchase of foreign currency on December 19th. It comes just weeks before both former Soviet states
Will the Southern African Customs Union last?
One of Africa’s flagship customs unions has gone a long way towards achieving regional economic integration. But this has come at a high – perhaps unacceptable – cost to its
Will TFTA bring free trade from Cape to Cairo?
A new merger of three existing African Free Trade Areas is creating the continent’s largest economic bloc. The tariff reductions and economic harmonization it should bring are welcome news. But
Kazakh currency devaluation triggers fuel shortage
The devaluation in February of Kazakhstan’s currency, the tenge, could have far-reaching effects on the availability of fuel in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. On February 11, 2014, the National Bank of
Sino-Russian gas deal: Alliance or partnership?
Does the recent gas deal between Russia and China signal a broader geopolitical alliance between the two countries, or is it simply an economic partnership? The recent announcement of a
Putin wins with Eurasian Economic Union
Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus recently agreed to establish the Eurasian Economic Union. Like the Custom Union before it, Russia looks to benefit the most. On May 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin,
Book Review: Great Games, Local Rules
In his recently published book Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia, Alexander Cooley offers a penetrating analysis of the geopolitical maneuvering and strategies pursued
Tension builds over Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is once again absorbed in a debate over ownership of the Kumtor Mine, highlighting the government’s fragility and the importance of the mine for the country’s economy. Following a
Kazakhstan seeks larger China-Europe transit trade share
Kazakhstan is in the middle of an ambitious railway modernization project that the Kazakh state hopes will upgrade its status as a transport hub in the middle of the Eurasian