The consequences of granting PNTR to Kazakhstan

Publications

24 Jun 2024

Trade & Macro

Simon Commander

Download publication

Simon Commander

Simon Commander is a Senior Associate of Independent Economics, an international advisory. He is also a Managing Partner of Altura Partners which provides governments and companies in emerging markets with advice on public policy, investment, and business strategy. He has worked in senior positions at the World Bank in Washington D.C. and at the European Bank … <a href="https://case.dev10.pro/publications/the-consequences-of-granting-pntr-to-kazakhstan/">Continued</a>

This policy brief examines why the US has not yet granted Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Kazakhstan, even though Kazakhstan joined the WTO in 2015. Both countries seem eager to resolve this issue. While the immediate benefits to trade and investment might be limited, granting PNTR could attract more US investment in the future. However, this would require Kazakhstan to implement complementary policies, such as further privatization and reducing the influence of politically connected businesses.

Additionally, there is significant potential to improve the business environment in Kazakhstan, even if political reforms towards greater democracy are unlikely. Since 2022, Russia’s shift eastwards and China’s use of Kazakhstan as a trade route to Europe have greatly increased trade and investment from both countries. In this context, granting PNTR would support mutual engagement between the US and Kazakhstan and help Kazakhstan balance its trade relations amid growing global polarization.

Related publications

Konsekwencje przyznania Kazachstanowi statusu PNTR (Permanent Normal Trade Relations)

Trade & Macro

Belarus Business Barometer, October 2023

The report explores how the political unrest in Belarus, especially after the disputed presidential elections in August 2020, led many businesses to leave the country. It discusses the difficulties these businesses faced, like more government scrutiny, fewer customers, and limited chances to grow. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, new economic sanctions made … Continued

Trade & Macro

CASE Reports

How Credit Guarantee Schemes Could Ease Access to Funding for Companies with Belarusian Capital in the EU

The policy paper offers solutions to help companies with Belarusian owners in the EU access funding more easily. It suggests using global credit guarantee schemes as inspiration. These would address issues like a lack of credit history or collateral, which often hinder Belarusian businesses in the EU. Two main ideas are proposed. One is an … Continued

Trade & Macro

No results

The consequences of granting PNTR to Kazakhstan

Simon Commander

Related publications

Konsekwencje przyznania Kazachstanowi statusu PNTR (Permanent Normal Trade Relations)

Belarus Business Barometer, October 2023

How Credit Guarantee Schemes Could Ease Access to Funding for Companies with Belarusian Capital in the EU

Thanks for joining us!

Join the community of informed readers. Subscribe to our newsletter.