What are the main provisions of CISFTA?

The main provisions of the CISFTA (Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Agreement) are as follows:

1. Tariff Reduction: CISFTA aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on goods traded among member countries. This helps to promote trade by making imported goods more affordable and competitive in the domestic markets.

2. Rules of Origin: The agreement establishes rules to determine the origin of goods, ensuring that only products originating from member countries receive preferential treatment. This prevents non-member countries from taking advantage of the agreement by re-exporting goods from outside the region.

3. Trade Facilitation: CISFTA includes provisions to simplify customs procedures, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and enhance cooperation among member countries' customs authorities. This helps to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

4. Services and Investment: The agreement also covers trade in services and investment. It aims to liberalize and facilitate the movement of services providers and investors among member countries, promoting cross-border trade in services and attracting foreign direct investment.

5. Dispute Settlement: CISFTA establishes a mechanism for resolving disputes between member countries regarding the interpretation or application of the agreement. This helps to ensure compliance with the provisions and resolve conflicts in a fair and transparent manner.

6. Cooperation and Technical Assistance: The agreement promotes cooperation among member countries in various areas, such as customs administration, standardization, and intellectual property rights. It also provides for technical assistance to help member countries implement and benefit from the agreement effectively.

Overall, the main provisions of CISFTA aim to promote trade, enhance economic integration, and foster cooperation among member countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States.