The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States has held discussions on the prospects of repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, reports Nur.kz, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the US, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, emphasized the importance of repealing the amendment as it pertains to Kazakhstan. He stated, "Kazakhstan has made significant strides in transformation, becoming a leader in attracting foreign investments in Central Asia and playing a key role in ensuring regional stability and security."
"Over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has emerged as the second-largest economy in the post-Soviet space, accounting for two-thirds of Central Asia’s GDP. Repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and establishing permanent normal trade relations with Kazakhstan is a strategic move that strengthens US-Kazakhstan ties and provides stability and predictability for American investors," the ambassador said.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Representative Tom Suozzi commended Kazakhstan's efforts in promoting religious freedom and the rule of law. He noted, "The US recognizes the geopolitical challenges Kazakhstan faces and the importance of strengthening economic security in the region for shared prosperity."
Senator Chris Murphy remarked that repealing the amendment "would send an important signal about Washington’s serious intentions in the region." He added that while the amendment’s sanctions were effective in the past, it is now outdated for Kazakhstan, which fully complies with international norms.
Senator Steve Daines, senior vice president of the American company Wabtec Gokhan Bayhan, and representatives from the expert community also voiced their opinions, emphasizing the importance of repealing the amendment for US foreign policy.
Eric Rudenshold, senior fellow at the Caspian Policy Center and former National Security Council staffer, noted that this step should have been taken earlier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that both congress members and experts expressed readiness to support Kazakhstan’s initiative.
About the Jackson-Vanik Amendment
The Jackson-Vanik Amendment to the US Trade Act was adopted in 1974 at the initiative of Congressmen Henry Jackson and Charles Vanik. It restricted trade with socialist bloc countries, prohibiting granting most-favored-nation status, state loans, or credit guarantees to countries that significantly violated or restricted their citizens' right to emigrate.
The amendment also imposed discriminatory tariffs and duties on goods imported into the US from non-market economies. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, the amendment was extended to successor states, except for three CIS countries - Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Ukraine - and Georgia.
Since 1989, the amendment has been subject to an annual moratorium, but Congress has not officially repealed it. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment still applies to Kazakhstan, despite Astana’s repeated efforts to have it lifted. For the repeal to take effect, the legislation must first be approved by the US House of Representatives and then by the Senate. It has been noted that repealing the amendment could significantly increase trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the US.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
November 20, 2024