NEWS

Edward’s East Strategies has prepared monthly monitoring reports on regulatory initiatives and personnel changes in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus from January 15 to February 15, 2025.

In Kazakhstan, during the reported period, regulatory changes affected the environmental protection sector, rules for determining the origin of goods, production and circulation of organic products, and antitrust legislation. Furthermore, discussions continue on the draft Tax Code: insights into a new tax concept have been presented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, responsible developers from central government bodies, as well as representatives of business associations. A key focus for stakeholders is the question of increasing the VAT rate.

In Uzbekistan, a law has been adopted aimed at aligning the country’s corporate legislation with international standards and improving the investment climate. In addition, measures have been approved to stimulate the development of the pharmaceutical industry in Uzbekistan. Key reform areas include enhancing the quality control of pharmaceuticals and state support for industry enterprises. A plan of action in the field of ecology has also been developed for the coming year. The document covers areas such as reducing plastic waste (including packaging), developing renewable energy sources (including through reduced tariffs for businesses), preparing a Strategy for achieving carbon neutrality, and reducing harmful emissions, among others.

Kyrgyzstan is also preparing regulations for the management of plastic waste, establishing procedures for the collection, transportation, storage, and recycling of plastic waste. An initiative has been developed that requires importers from the EAEU to prepay VAT on imports at a rate of 20% into a state deposit account. Additionally, changes are being prepared for the electronic goods transport documentation system and measures to tighten regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.

In Belarus, the list of goods subject to state regulation for price stabilization has been expanded, and a new regulatory system is being developed, which includes “price corridors” and price monitoring. Additionally, a licensing requirement for the import of construction materials has been introduced for six months. Changes have also impacted Russian Belarusian cooperation: a protocol amending the joint agreement on the general principles of indirect taxation has been approved. As part of the development of supranational regulation, Belarus has proposed new packaging requirements in the EAEU to enhance environmental safety.

The reports also include other regulatory legal acts and appointments of interest to businesses.