BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Kazakhstan’s
Kurultai adopted in the second reading a law ratifying amendments
to the list of specific commitments of Kazakhstan on services,
which is annexed to the Protocol on Kazakhstan’s accession to the
Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization of
April 15, 1994, the Kurultai’s press service reported.
Through the ratification of the document, Kazakhstan is joining
the World Trade Organization’s rules on domestic regulation of
services.
The rules establish general principles for regulating the
services sector and are aimed at simplifying procedures for
obtaining permits and licenses required to provide services. In
particular, they provide for simplified application procedures and
shorter processing times, as well as the introduction of electronic
submission of applications and issuance of permits.
“Joining the World Trade Organization’s rules will contribute to
the development of competition and increase Kazakhstan’s investment
attractiveness. In addition, requirements for service providers
will become more transparent, objective and predictable, creating
additional opportunities for them to enter foreign markets,” the
Kurultai said.
At the same time, the rules do not restrict the state’s right to
regulate the services sector. Kazakhstan retains the authority to
establish licensing, qualification requirements and other necessary
regulatory measures.
Such measures may be applied to protect the health and safety of
citizens, as well as other public interests.
