Kazakhstan, Russia concerned about increase in smuggled Chinese goods

Kazakh and Russian governments are concerned about potential increase in smuggled goods from China through Kyrgyzstan, the information agency Kazinform reported.

The concern has been reportedly voiced by Karim Masimov, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, who predicted smuggling boost through Kyrgyzstan due to establishment of Customs Union between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus.

“Taking into account establishment of the Customs Union, potential illegal sales turnover from China through Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan will be very large as duty rates in the union and Kyrgyzstan sufficiently differ. We should keep a close watch on the situation. Our Customs Union colleagues, particularly, leadership of Russia expressed their concern about the issue,” the prime minister said.