Αποφάσεις - Ανακοινώσεις — ΦΕΚ A' 10/2024

Τη Συμφωνία μεταξύ της Κυβέρνησης της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Κυβέρνησης της Δημοκρατίας του Καζακστάν για την οικονομική και τεχνολογική συνεργασία, που υπογράφηκε στην Αθήνα, στις 16 Ιουλίου 2001, και κυρώθηκε με τον ν. 3119/2003 (Α’ 54), και ιδίως το άρθρο 5 αυτής.

Το άρθρο δεύτερο του ως άνω κυρωτικού νόμου βάσει του οποίου τα Πρωτόκολλα-Πρακτικά που καταρτίζονται από τη Μικτή Επιτροπή του άρθρου 5 της άνω Συμφωνίας εγκρίνονται με κοινή πράξη των αρμόδιων κατά περίπτωση Υπουργών.

Το άρθρο 90 του Κώδικα νομοθεσίας για την Κυβέρνηση και τα κυβερνητικά όργανα (π.δ. 63/2005, Α’ 98), το οποίο διατηρήθηκε σε ισχύ με την περ. 22 του άρθρου 119 του ν. 4622/2019 (Α’ 133).

Το π.δ. 79/2023 «Διορισμός Υπουργών, Αναπληρωτών Υπουργών και Υφυπουργών» (Α’ 131).

Την υπό στοιχεία Υ11/8.7.2023 απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Αναπληρωτή Υπουργό Εσωτερικών, Θεόδωρο Λιβάνιο» (Β’ 4403).

Την υπό στοιχεία 102916 ΕΞ 2023/10.07.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Οικονομικών «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υφυπουργό Οικονομικών, Θεοχάρη Θεοχάρη» (Β’ 4441).

Την υπ’ αρ. 117/13.7.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Εξωτερικών «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υφυπουργό Εξωτερικών Κωνσταντίνο Φραγκογιάννη» (Β’ 4524).

Την υπό στοιχεία 156/8.7.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Υποδομών και Μεταφορών «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στην Υφυπουργό Υποδομών και Μεταφορών, Χριστίνα Αλεξοπούλου» (Β’ 4410).

Την υπ’ αρ. 74104/5570/08.07.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στην Υφυπουργό Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας, Αλεξάνδρα Σδούκου» (Β’ 4408).

Την υπ’ αρ. 1220/10.07.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Ανάπτυξης «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στην Υφυπουργό Ανάπτυξης, Άννα Μάνη» (Β’ 4442).

Την υπ’ αρ. 337636/13.07.2023 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και της Υπουργού Πολιτισμού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υφυπουργό Πολιτισμού, Χρίστο Δήμα» (Β’ 4530).

Το γεγονός ότι εκ της εφαρμογής των διατάξεων του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου δεν προκαλούνται δαπάνες σε βάρος του κρατικού προϋπολογισμού.

Το περιεχόμενο του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου, αποφασίζουμε: Εγκρίνουμε ως έχει και στο σύνολό του το Πρωτόκολλο της 5ης Συνόδου της Μικτής Διυπουργικής Επιτροπής Οικονομικής και Τεχνολογικής Συνεργασίας μεταξύ της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Δημοκρατίας του Καζακστάν, που υπεγράφη στην Αστάνα του Καζακστάν, στις 19 Οκτωβρίου 2022, το κείμενο του οποίου σε πρωτότυπο στην αγγλική γλώσσα και σε μετάφραση στην ελληνική έχει ως εξής: ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN (Astana, October 19, 2022) The fifth Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee (JIC) on Economic and Technological Cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – «the Committee») established in accordance with Article 5 of the Agreement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, signed in Athens, on July 19, 2001, was held in Astana, on October 19, 2022. The Kazakh part of the Committee was headed by Vice-Minister of Culture and Sport Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, the Greek part was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Konstantinos Fragkogiannis. During the meeting of the Committee which was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and friendship, both Sides noted that on October 6, 2022 Greece and Kazakhstan celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over this period, our countries have made significant progress and achieved significant results in the development of relations based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. The meeting of the Committee was attended by representatives of the governments of the two countries (Annex I and II). The following issues were considered, according to the approved Agenda (Annex III):

Trade, Economy and Investment The two Sides exchanged information concerning issues on bilateral trade and economic developments, as well as considered policy measures, which may facilitate and strengthen the development of their bilateral trade and economic cooperation. According to official data of Kazakhstan statistics, the trade turnover between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Hellenic Republic in January-August, 2022 amounted to 1.2 billion US dollars, which is 45.5% higher than in the same period of the previous year (829.3 million US dollars). Exports increased by 46.1% and amounted to 1.2 billion US dollars. Imports increased by 6.9% and amounted to 14.5 million US dollars. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority the volume of trade between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan was in 2021 2.4 billion US dollars, of which 13.4 million US dollars were exports of goods from Greece to Kazakhstan and 2.3 billion US dollars were exports of goods from Kazakhstan to Greece. The course of development of the total trade volume between Kazakhstan and the Hellenic Republic over the years tends to embody mutual targets and perspectives for further developing and strengthening economic and trade relations. The Parties expressed satisfaction with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the «National Company joint stock company «KAZAKH INVEST» and Investment and Trade Promotion Agency «ENTERPRISE GREECE S.A.», during the 5th Meeting of the Committee, which will set the framework for enhancing cooperation in the field of investment and business promotion between Kazakhstan and the Hellenic Republic. The Kazakh side is interested in investment cooperation with the Hellenic Republic and invites Greek companies to take an active part in the implementation of joint projects in the field of agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and food industry. In order to spread it among the Greek business community, the Kazakh side asks the Greek side to consider the possibility of studying priority investment «niche projects» for their possible implementation. The Greek side also submitted relevant information about the Investment Law in the Hellenic Republic and invited Kazakh investors to explore investment possibilities in Greece, in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and any other sector with a high added value. The two Sides, wishing to achieve economic development, recognized the importance and mutual benefit deriving from their cooperation in the industrial field and expressed their readiness to develop and strengthen such cooperation, through the promotion of business cooperation in various manufacturing sectors of common interest, aiming to take advantage of investment opportunities, as well as the overall promotion of innovation and sustainable development. Both sides underlined the importance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) for the economy, taking into account their contribution to growth, new jobs creation and social cohesion and agreed to enhance their cooperation in this field. Such cooperation could include the exchange of information, know-how and best practices in the area of SMEs support policies in order to improve SMEs competitiveness, as well as the promotion of networking among entrepreneurs. In order to develop bilateral economic cooperation, the Parties agreed to continue work on the coordination of the following bilateral documents: 1) The Parties agreed to continue negotiations on the approval of the draft Convention between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital; 2) The Parties confirmed their interest in concluding an Agreement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic Government and the Republic of Kazakhstan on exemption from visa requirements for holders of valid service passports. 3) The Kazakh side proposed consideration of a simplified visa regime for Kazakh tourists to enter the Hellenic Republic: visa on arrival or seasonal visa-free regime. The Parties recognize the importance of further promoting the mobility of citizens of their countries. In this respect, the Greek side will make use of the relevant provisions of the EU law.

Cooperation in the field of Energy Both Sides, recognizing the mutual benefits arising from the further development of the oil and gas sector, confirmed their intention to consider the possibility of exchanging best practices and facilitating contacts between the business sectors, private and public. Both Sides recognized that tackling climate change and its negative impact requires international cooperation and coordinated solutions at all levels. Accordingly, Greece and Kazakhstan will promote The Kazakh side invites the Greek Side to participate in the auction for the selection of renewable energy projects this year.

Cooperation in the field of Transport The Kazakh Side provided information about the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), recognizing it as an effective and shortest route between China and Europe through the Caspian Sea, and noted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of transport. In this regard, the Kazakh side proposed to consider the possibility of cooperation of Greek operators with the International Association «Trans-Caspian International Transport Route», whose headquarters are located in the city of Astana (Kazakhstan). The Greek Side expressed interest in exploring ways to enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in the field of transport, without prejudice to any obligations arising out of the EU's transport policy, including the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy. 3.1. Cargo and passenger transportation. Road Freight and Passenger Transport The two Sides acknowledged their constructive cooperation in the field of road transport, based on the Agreement on International Road Transport of Passengers and Goods between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana, June 2002), ratified by the Greek side on 2.2.2004 and Kazakh side on 18.11.2003. In order to strengthen this cooperation, the Sides agreed to intensify the activities of the Joint Committee established in the framework of the bilateral Agreement. 3.2. Sea transport The Parties expressed interest in developing cooperation in the field of international maritime transport through the exchange of experience in the implementation of IMO (International Maritime Organization) instruments in the implementation of port state control, training and certification of seafarers, prevention of marine pollution and search and rescue at sea. 3.3. Civil aviation The Parties recognized the importance of air transport in strengthening bilateral tourist flows, as well as facilitating business contacts, which is mutually beneficial cooperation at various levels. In this regard, both sides acknowledged the significance of establishing a stable legal framework for airlines of both sides to conduct direct flights between the two countries. In this respect, the sides agreed to make effort to conclude the Air Services Agreement, which is under negotiations. The Parties welcomed the opening of regular flights on the routes Almaty– Heraklion – Almaty with a frequency of 3 flights per week from June 2, 2022 by the Kazakh national air carrier Air Astana JSC, on the basis of a provisional permit.

Cooperation in the field of Agriculture The Parties expressed their will to further develop bilateral trade of agricultural products through efforts to increase the volume of trade flows and to expand trade in more product categories. In this regard, the Greek side expressed its interest in increasing the imports of cereals from Kazakhstan. This cooperation should be carried out through: – exchange of technical information, know-how and experience; countries. The Parties agreed, also, to explore the possibilities of promoting cooperation between research institutes of the two countries in areas of mutual interest. In this regard, the Greek side provided a list of potential fields of agricultural cooperation, developed by Benaki Phytopathological Institute. Both sides pointed out the importance of developing cooperation in the field of product conformity assessment and expressed their interest in protecting and promoting both countries’ agricultural products with Geographical Indications.

Cooperation in the field of Tourism Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the competent Ministries of the two countries in the field of tourism signed on September 24, 2018, the Parties agreed to promote the development and strengthening of tourism cooperation in the fields of planning and development, education and training, marketing and promotion and investments in tourism. In addition, in order to unlock the tourism potential of both countries to attract tourists, the Parties will exchange information on the development of the tourism industry and invite to annual events, including conferences, tourist exhibitions and other special regional events held by the countries. The Parties also agreed to encourage cooperation in the field of tourism promotion through bringing closer representatives of the tourism industry and the media, such as travel companies, journalists, bloggers, and influencers and the media- of the two countries. Considering the importance of the green and digital transition of the tourism sector, the Parties agreed to make every effort to exchange know-how and practical experience in these fields, with a focus on green investments and digital innovation. In this respect, the Parties will exchange information on the investment potential and relevant opportunities of both countries. The Greek side suggested encouraging the cooperation between the investment agencies of the two countries, pointing out the potential of tourism investment in Greece, with an emphasis on hotels, resorts and marinas.

Cooperation in the field of Technical regulation, Standardization, Metrology and Accreditation A. Building on their previous initial agreement to broaden the cooperation between the two countries in the field of Technical regulation, Standardization, Metrology and Accreditation, the two sides reaffirmed their willingness to promote such cooperation that could include the exchange of good practices and information on technical legislative issues and standards. The Hellenic side, through the respective Public Institutions and Bodies, could also provide to the Kazakh side any required information and support about the “EU Aquis” and the harmonized European Union legislation for industrial products. Furthermore, the cooperation in the field of Standardization could include the exchange of experience, best practices, standards, management systems and laboratory testing methodologies for specific areas of mutual interest. The two sides will consider the possibility to sign Memorandum of Understanding in the abovementioned fields, between the respective National Bodies of the two countries. ȼ. The Kazakhstan Institute of Standardization and Metrology (KSM) and the National Quality Infrastructure System (NQIS) along with the metrological division of the National Metrological Institute (EIM) of the Hellenic Republic have signed an Agreement on cooperation in the field of metrology, on 21 September 2022. The National Accreditation Center and The Hellenic Accreditation System ESYD have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the government in the field of accreditation. The Memorandum provides cooperation on exchange of experience in the field of accreditation, technical cooperation and training.

Cooperation in the field of science and education higher education and science.

Interregional cooperation The Parties expressed interest in developing interregional cooperation and in this regard agreed to exchange information on the opportunities and needs of the regions of the two countries related to trade and investment issues. The Parties expressed interest in studying the forms and instruments of financing interregional cooperation in accordance with the institutional structure that regulates the international relations of their regions, using EU funds as well.