A4-0100/94

Resolution on the economic and trade aspects of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kyrgyzstan

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, more specifically, to the provisions on foreign and security policy,

- having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement negotiated between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic,

- having regard to its assent of 30 November 1995 to the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part ((Item 1(h) of these Minutes. )),

- having regard to Rule 148 of the Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on External Economic Relations (A4-0100/94),

A. whereas Kyrgyzstan is making strenuous efforts to liberalize and modernize its economy,

B. whereas the agricultural sector is of vital importance in a country in the grip of severe shortages,

C. deploring the fact that poppies and hence opium and its derivatives are grown and produced on a fairly large scale on Kyrgyz territory, in spite of the steps taken by the Kyrgyz Government,

D. aware that Kyrgyzstan possesses mineral resources, yet at the same time suffers from natural deficiencies in terms of energy,

E. aware both of the economic difficulties and the deterioration which has occurred over the past two years and of the efforts being made by the authorities to remedy the situation,

1. Welcomes the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kyrgyzstan;

2. Applauds the goals expressly charted in the Agreement, which, going beyond economic, trade and cooperation relations, emphasizes the need to establish a political dialogue, consolidate democracy, and promote respect for human rights;

3. Approves the provisions of the Partnership Agreement relating to trade in goods but hopes that the measures taken by the future WTO can be applied as fully and as quickly as possible to Kyrgyzstan;

4. Notes that trade in textile products is covered in a separate agreement initialled on 15 October 1993 and implemented on a temporary basis since 1 January 1994 and voices anxiety about the future of trade between the EU and Kyrgyzstan in this exceedingly sensitive sector;

5. Approves the provisions of the Partnership Agreement concerning employment and the conditions under which companies may take up and carry on their business but hopes that future developments in relations between the EU and Kyrgyzstan will permit a greater degree of flexibility in the above areas;

6. Hopes that financial relations between Kyrgyzstan and the EU will be strengthened by means of a higher volume of public and private investment;

7. Welcomes the provisions of the Partnership Agreement concerning intellectual, industrial, and commercial property, laid down in anticipation of the time when the future WTO has come into being;

8. Sets the utmost store by economic cooperation between the EU and Kyrgyzstan;

9. Agrees with the priorities set by the Commission for cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, namely: economic and social development, development of human resources, support for industry (privatization, investment, and expansion of financial services), agriculture and food, energy and civil nuclear safety, transport, tourism, environmental protection, and regional cooperation;

10. Considers, however, that special attention must be given to measures to promote the training of Kyrgyz students, business executives, and civil servants with a view to familiarizing them with the EU's industrial, legal, and economic systems and the workings thereof;

11. Believes the environment to be a key area of cooperation;

12. Calls on the governments of the Member States to intensify economic and trading relations with Kyrgyzstan, at official level and through the private sector, in order to help consolidate democracy and the market economy in that country and assist its integration into the European and international economy;

13. Hopes that Kyrgyzstan will become a hub of development and, as such, provide the means for Europe's economic and trading influence to make itself felt more strongly throughout Asia and more especially in China;

14. Takes the view that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement constitutes a valuable starting-point but that the Commission must consider how all possible forms of cooperation between the EU and Kyrgyzstan can best be enhanced in the interest of both parties;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council, the governments of the Member States and the Government of Kyrgyzstan.