The 107th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Dushanbe on September 5, 2025. The Russian delegation was headed by Vladimir Ilyichev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia.
The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues of economic cooperation, including the removal of obstacles in mutual trade of the CIS member states, cooperation in the field of digitalization of the main multimodal transport corridors, scientific and technological development, subsoil use, innovation, health protection, financial aspects.
"The CIS continues to be a key platform for dialogue between the post—Soviet countries and is an effective and highly sought-after structure for multilateral cooperation," said the Deputy Minister of Economic Development. Vladimir Ilyichev.
In the first half of 2025, Russia's foreign trade turnover with the CIS countries amounted to 4.4 trillion rubles, including exports of 2.6 trillion rubles and imports of 1.8 trillion rubles. In 2024, the trade turnover increased by 7%.
"Exports from Chemical industry products, wood and pulp and paper products, machinery, equipment, and vehicles from Russia to the CIS countries. Supplies of food products, agricultural raw materials, and textiles from the Commonwealth countries have increased," he commented. Vladimir Ilyichev.
Russia's main trading partners in the CIS are Belarus (47.1%), Kazakhstan (25.7%) and Uzbekistan (10.1%). There was also a 10% decrease in the number of unemployed in the Commonwealth.
The heads of delegation approved the draft Strategy for digitalization of the main multimodal transport corridors of the CIS member states. This document will help to increase the competitiveness and connectivity of the ITC, ensure economic integration, develop foreign trade relations, as well as the sustainable and secure development of the region.
The parties reviewed and approved an Action Plan for the implementation of the second stage of the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030, aimed at further creating conditions for sustainable economic growth in the CIS countries and improving the well-being of the population.
Key areas of the Plan include reducing non-tariff barriers, expanding the practice of mutual recognition of sanitary and phytosanitary certificates, unifying requirements in the mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical and food industries, transport and logistics, the introduction of digital end-to-end cargo tracking services, and financial mechanisms.
According to expert estimates, as a result of the implementation of the second stage of the Strategy, the growth of mutual trade between the CIS countries will amount to 7-8% by 2029. The main contribution will be the reduction of non-tariff barriers, the development of transport infrastructure and energy integration, while industrial cooperation and financial coordination will create a long-term multiplier effect.
The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council is scheduled for December 5, 2025 in Moscow.
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