2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Business_and_Trade_Relationships_between_the_EU_and_Central_Asia_16页_454kb

Summary of Business and Trade Relationships between the EU and Central Asia

Core Content

This document provides an analysis of the economic and trade relationships between the European Union (EU) and Central Asian states, highlighting the EU's role as a key trading partner, the uneven distribution of trade interests among EU member states, and the industries in which European companies are already active in the region.

Main Points

EU as a Major Trading Partner

• The EU is one of the main trading partners of Central Asia, accounting for almost 30% of the region's total foreign trade in 2007, with a total value of €22.9 billion.
• However, the trade relationship is heavily skewed toward energy, with over 80% of EU imports from Kazakhstan and 90% from Turkmenistan being oil and gas products.
• The trade imbalance is significant, with Central Asian countries exporting little to the EU, while the EU exports much more to the region.

Trade Imbalance by Country

Economic Interests of EU Member States

• Germany is the most important EU partner in Central Asia, focusing on non-energy sectors such as construction, agriculture, and industry. It has invested in transformation technologies and six pilot industries.
• Italy is a key partner for Kazakhstan, especially through the North Caspian Sea Consortium. It exports machinery, foodstuffs, and chemicals, while importing agricultural products and textiles.
• France has a growing trade relationship with Kazakhstan, emphasizing its reputation in luxury goods, such as wine, cheese, and cosmetics. It also invests in energy and infrastructure.
• United Kingdom has been a major investor in Kazakhstan, with a focus on diversifying beyond energy into technology, agriculture, and financial sectors.
• Netherlands is one of the largest investors in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, with a focus on energy, finance, and transport. It has invested over $39 billion since 1993.
• Belgium and Luxembourg are also significant trade partners, with Belgium focusing on machinery and chemicals, and Luxembourg on banking and financial services.
• Spain, Sweden, Finland, Greece, and Austria have smaller but growing trade relationships, especially in sectors like textiles, agriculture, and foodstuffs.

Central European Partners

• Central European countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are increasingly involved in trade with Central Asia, particularly in energy, metallurgy, and textiles.
• These countries are interested in Central Asia as a market with potential, especially for their chemical and technical industries.

Baltic States

• The Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) have historically been important for the export of Central Asian goods to Europe, especially cotton and metallurgical products.
• Trade has revived since the early 2000s, with a focus on transit and transport infrastructure.
• The EU has proposed joint ventures with the Baltic states, particularly in the context of the "Path to Europe" initiative by Kazakhstan.

Key Industries

Energy Sector

• The energy sector dominates EU-Central Asia trade, particularly with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
• The EU's involvement is mainly through imports of oil and gas, with little export activity in return.

Manufacturing and Industry

• Military and aerospace industries are significant, with companies like Thales, EADS, and British Aerospace involved.
• Nuclear industries are also growing, with Kazakhstan's uranium resources and partnerships with European firms like Areva.

Mining and Metallurgy

• Companies such as Oxus Mining, Awex, and Eramet are active in the extraction of precious minerals and metallurgy in Central Asia.

Electrical and Construction Industries

• European firms like Alstom and First Alpeen Hydropower are established in Central Asia's electrical and construction sectors.

Cultural and Traditional Industries

• The EU's traditional industries, such as cosmetics, perfumes, and luxury goods, have a global reputation and are of interest in Central Asia, though their commercial impact is limited due to the region's economic structure.

Recommendations and Strategic Considerations

• The EU should develop a collective business and trade agenda with Central Asia to enhance its economic presence and influence.
• This agenda should focus on economic diversification, market access, and promoting European values such as the rule of law and transparency.
• The EU should also consider social and ethical dimensions of its trade relations, particularly in the health and education sectors.
• The human factor and private sector development are crucial for long-term success in Central Asia.

Conclusion

Despite the EU's growing economic presence in Central Asia, the region remains a limited market with significant trade imbalances. The EU's strategy must address these imbalances and focus on sectors beyond energy to ensure sustainable and meaningful economic relations. A collective approach is necessary to align trade policies with broader European goals, including promoting a social model and supporting regional development.