Crossroads Asia

Kazakh-Kyrgyz Border Opened, But (Figurative) Roadblocks Remain

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Crossroads Asia

Kazakh-Kyrgyz Border Opened, But (Figurative) Roadblocks Remain

Trading across the EEU’s borders is still a bit awkward

Kazakh-Kyrgyz Border Opened, But (Figurative) Roadblocks Remain
Credit: Art Konovalov / Shutterstock.com

In early August, Kyrgyzstan finally acceded to the Eurasian Economic Union, becoming the trading bloc’s fifth member. While Kyrgyzstan had done its share of foot-dragging in joining, the last hurdle was the signature of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the accession treaty. Nazarbayev signed and even attended the opening of the border alongside his Kyrgyz counterpart, Almazbek Atambayev. But figurative roadblocks remain between the neighbors.

The border is not completely open, but the accession of Kyrgyzstan to the EEU has led to the relaxation of customs controls. On the day the border opened, Tengrinews reported that “190 loaded heavyweight transporters crossed the border…120 to Kazakhstan and 70 from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan. This is twice the daily average before the opening of the borders.”

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