Αποφάσεις - Ανακοινώσεις — ΦΕΚ A' 228/2014

Τις διατάξεις της Συμφωνίας μεταξύ της Κυβέρνησης της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Κυβέρνησης της Δημοκρατίας του Καζακστάν για οικονομική και τεχνολογική συνεργασία, που υπογράφηκε στην Αθήνα στις 16 Ιουλίου 2001 και κυρώθηκε με το ν.3119/2003, που δημοσιεύθηκε στο υπ’ αριθ. 54 Φύλλο Εφημερίδος της Κυβερνήσεως, τεύχος Α΄, της 4ης Μαρτίου 2003.

Το άρθρο δεύτερο του ως άνω κυρωτικού νόμου σύμφωνα με το οποίο τα Πρωτόκολλα−Πρακτικά που καταρτίζονται από τη Μεικτή Επιτροπή του άρθρου 5 της Συμφωνίας εγκρίνονται με κοινή πράξη των αρμοδίων κατά περίπτωση Υπουργών.

Τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 90 της Κωδικοποίησης της νομοθεσίας για την Κυβέρνηση και τα Κυβερνητικά όργανα που κυρώθηκε με το π.δ. 63 (98/Α/22.04.2005).

Το γεγονός ότι εκ της εφαρμογής των διατάξεων του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου δεν προκαλείται πρόσθετη δαπάνη πλέον αυτής που προκύπτει από τις βασικές διατάξεις της Συμφωνίας και που είχε εκτιμηθεί στην έκθεση του Γενικού Λογιστηρίου του Κράτους.

Το περιεχόμενο του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου, αποφασίζουμε: Εγκρίνουμε ως έχει και στο σύνολό του το Πρωτόκολλο της 2ης Συνόδου Μεικτής Επιτροπής ΕλλάδαςΚαζακστάν για οικονομική και τεχνολογική συνεργασία, που υπογράφηκε στην Αθήνα, στις 15 Οκτωβρίου 2013,το κείμενο του οποίου στην αγγλική και σε μετάφραση στην ελληνική γλώσσα έχει ως εξής: 7401 ON ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION (Athens, October 14-15, 2013) The second Session of the Joint Committee on Economic and Technological Cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan was held in Athens, on October 14-15, 2013, in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on Economic and Technological Cooperation, signed between the two countries in Athens, on July 16, 2001. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dimitrios Kourkoulas, headed the Hellenic Delegation. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Aleksei Volkov, headed the Kazakh Delegation. The Lists of Participants of both delegations are attached (Annex I). During the meeting of the Committee on Economic and Technological Cooperation, which was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and friendship, both Sides presented an overview of current developments in the economies of their countries and reviewed their bilateral economic and commercial relations, since the 1st Session of the Committee, held in Astana, on July 3-4, 2006. Both Sides stated their readiness to take all necessary measures, in order to improve the bilateral relations, on the basis of mutual interest. According to the approved Agenda (Annex II) the following issues were discussed or taking into account during the Session:

OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN The two Sides exchanged information on bilateral trade condition and economic development in both countries, as well as on measures of economic policy, which may facilitate and strengthen the development of their bilateral economic and trade cooperation. trade through additional entrepreneurial undertakings at bilateral and multilateral level. The two Sides stated that the further development of commercial and economic ties as well as the promotion of investments and trade between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan are their shared objectives. They acknowledged that the current trade volume does not reflect the existing potential of both countries and stressed the need to increase its volume. Consequently, both Sides reaffirmed their mutual interest to boost bilateral trade through: - encouraging companies to participate in fairs and exhibitions held in both countries; - enhancing cooperation between Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Business Associations and other Business Organizations for further expansion of links between companies of both Sides, e.g. present their products at local and international Fairs, be represented in third countries through mutual undertakings, create possibilities, explore business opportunities in the respective countries through market research visits, as well as develop a joint venture network. - exploring new opportunities of cooperation and attracting mutual investments of Hellenic and Kazakh companies in fields such as energy (renewable energy sources, energy efficiency), technology transfer in agriculture, food industry, light industries, tourism, construction etc.

2 Investment Cooperation The two Sides reaffirmed their mutual interest for cooperation to enforce investments in both sides and they marked the necessity to undertake relevant measures, targeting at mutual growth of the total amount of investments. In particular, the Joint Committee stressed the need for the relevant Hellenic and Kazakh bodies to exchange information on the investment legislation of the two countries, as well as on the most promising investment projects. and technical aid in the sphere of small and medium size enterprises. The Kazakh side also invites Hellenic companies to participate in investment project in tourism infrastructure of Kazakhstan The Hellenic side invites Kazakh Businessmen to invest in Greece in all production sectors: high technology products, tourism, real estate, energy, renewable energy, services e.tc. The Hellenic side also observes that closer cooperation with the respective Kazakh Organizations for common actions in the area of investments and the participation in the privatization process is in the interest of the Hellenic Organization “ Invest in Greece” and the “Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund- HRADF”. 1.3 Bilateral conventional framework Both Sides underlined that the ratification by the Kazakh Side of the Agreement on Mutual Protection of Investments will enable them to establish a steady and friendly environment for the development of business activities between the two Sides. Furthermore, both sides have agreed to explore the possibility of signing the Convention for Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and on Capital, in order to create the conditions for further development of economic ties between the two Sides. Moreover, both sides expressed their will to prepare and conclude new agreements, namely in the areas of tourism, standardization and conformity assessment, scientific cooperation air transport, as well a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the field of sport activities. Both Sides acknowledged that a comprehensive legal framework on bilateral economic relations may facilitate significantly potential investment projects. Both Sides expressed their interest and confirmed their willingness to effect and promote cooperation in the oil and gas sector, taking also into account that the Hellenic Republic through Hellenic petroleum companies is seeking to locate investment opportunities for the development and production of hydrocarbons in Kazakhstan. Both Sides agreed: x to continue high level negotiations, with the aim of creating a solid basis of cooperation between both countries in all the energy sectors; x to promote investment opportunities in the energy sector both in the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan, x to expand cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Energy Efficiency (EE), especially in: wind potential measurements and assessment wind/photovoltaics (PV) solar thermal systems design-simulation-optimization, assessments of biomass/biogas/biofuels potential, planning of biomass/biogas/biofuels business chains, geothermal/hydrogen fuel cellsystems, design, simulation and optimization, sustainable mobility and transport, desalination units powered by RES, RES and EE, and planning/modeling on a national, regional and urban level, development of RES and EE action plans, development and management of energy information systems and models, building energy audit and analysis, EE and RES, integration into buildings, including the implementation of pilot projects; x to examine the possibility of organizing exhibitions and related events in the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan for the promotion of ecological products and equipment and the implementation of pilot projects. energy infrastructure in an environmentally sound manner. 2.2 Environmental Protection The two Sides noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection in the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan and its further development. In order to deepen cooperation in this field, the Kazakh side requests the Hellenic side to consider the possibility of collaborating in the field "green" economy and within «Green Bridge» partnership program. The Kazakh side invites Hellenic Republic to take part in the "EXPO - 2017" and offers Hellenic companies to participate in the technological and infrastructure projects in preparation and carrying out of "EXPO - 2017". In this regard, the Hellenic side will consider the possibility of taking part in the "EXPO - 2017" with a demonstration of the best achievements of the country. The Hellenic Side stated its readiness to provide know-how in the field of fighting pollution caused in the natural and marine environment. 2.3 Transport Road Freight and Passenger Transport Both Sides confirmed the positive dynamics of cooperation in the road transport sector, based on the Intergovernmental Agreement signed in Astana on June 2002. Furthermore, both Sides expressed their willingness to enhance their cooperation in the road transport sector and noted that the agreed quota of the annual permits is satisfied. They also agreed that all other issues related on the exchange of permits will be agreed by means of correspondence between the competent authorities, including through diplomatic channels. Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan by providing technical assistance and consultations in the framework of its competence in order to bring the national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan into line with international norms. For this purpose, aeronautical authorities of the two countries intend to establish direct cooperation and hold negotiations. Date and place to be agreed through diplomatic channels. Maritime Transport Both Sides agreed to examine the possibilities for cooperation in the field of international maritime transport, including in relevant international fora such as IMO and ILO. Both Sides also agreed to examine the possibility of cooperation, particularly through mutual exchange of expertise, in the fields of maritime training (IMO Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping- STCW Convention 95, as amended particularly through the 2010 Manila amendments) and maritime labour (ILO Maritime Labour Convention MLC), 2006. 2.4 Agriculture-Food processing The two Sides agreed to consider the possibility of developing their bilateral trade to their mutual benefit, particularly in: import of greek agricultural products into Kazakhstan (olive oil, olives, fresh, processed and dried fruits and vegetables etc) and export of Kazakh grain to Greece. Both Sides agreed to consider the possibility to collaborate indicatively in the following sectors: - Crop production, including fruit and vegetable production, and organic production - Livestock production, - Production and trade of seed and propagating material - Mechanization of agriculture, - Food and food treatment, food processing industry, labelling and marketing -Exchange of scientific, research and technical information, experience and documentation, including information on the subject Mediterranean diet, -Exchange of visits of experts and consultants, -Organization of extension and training programs, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, fairs and meetings in either of the two countries, - Activities of joint ventures between the private and cooperative sectors of both countries in the field of the above mentioned issues. They also agreed to exchange information and expertise on policies, legislation and procedures applied in each side by the competent authorities of both countries concerning registration and protection of Geographical Indications (GIs). 2.5 Tourism Both Sides expressed their satisfaction over the progress achieved so far in their bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, stressing in particular the importance of the Protocol of Intentions between the Ministry of Development of the Hellenic Republic and the Agency for Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the establishment, development and strengthening of cooperation in the field of tourism, signed in Almaty on 26th June 2002. With a view to further intensifying the bilateral tourist flow, both Sides expressed their willingness that the procedure of the exchange of draft texts of the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Ministry of Tourism of Hellenic Republic and the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan is speeded up. They also underlined the importance of finding new areas of common action for the promotion of their bilateral relations in the field of Tourism such as cooperation in the field of Special Interest Tourism - Plant phyto-sanitary control, - Veterinary services, veterinary legislation and food security according 2.6 Information and Communications Technology Both Sides agreed to further explore the possibilities of continuing their cooperation in the field of communication and information technologies, including through the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding or a Bilateral Agreement. 2.7 Standardization, Metrology, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment The Hellenic Side, looking forward to facilitating commercial transactions and establishing closer economic relations, wishes to promote the cooperation between the two countries in the field of Quality Policies and of the Quality Infrastructures (Standardization, Accreditation, Metrology, Certification and Testing). In that framework, the possibility of bilateral programs and know – how exchange in the areas of Accreditation, Conformity Assessment, Metrology and Standardization, can be examined. The two Sides will consider the possibility to conclude Memoranda of Understanding in the abovementioned fields, between the respective national bodies of the two countries. Furthermore, the cooperation may include the sharing of information on issues of technical legislation. The Hellenic side, through the respective public institutions and bodies, can also provide to the Kazakh side (Public Sector and Institutions) any required information and support about the “community acquis” and the harmonized community legislation for industrial products. 2.8 Cooperation in the field of public service The Parties reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the field of public service and training of civil servants. researches, and exchange of publications in the field of public service. In this framework, the Greek side could undertake through EKDDA (National Centre for Public Administration & Local Government) joint projects on fields of training, research and advisory services related to the Public Administration. In particular, EKDDA could undertake, preferably in collaboration with the competent Authority of Kazakhstan, activities and exchange of know-how focused on: x Administrative Reform & Restructuring of Public Services x Evaluation of administrative structures & public personnel x Methodologies of training and development of human resources within P.A. x Fight against corruption x E-government x EU issues: Institutions and decision-making, Negotiations, harmonization of legislation, international trade, etc. Kazakh side provided information regarding the regional hub in the field of public service, created March 15, 2013 in Astana. The two sides agreed to exchange experience and knowledge in the frame of Regional Hub in the public service sphere. 2.9 Cooperation in the field of labor and social protection of the population The Kazakh side proposed to consider the possibility of cooperation in the field of labor and social protection, including through the conclusion of a relevant Memorandum of Understanding. The Hellenic side stated that it will consider the aforementioned proposal and communicate its position to the Kazakh side in due time. cooperation in the field of Culture. Both sides also affirmed their intention to find ways to implement facets of the Agreement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on «Cooperation in the fields of education and culture», signed in Astana on the 26th June 2002, by either establishing the Joint Commission provided for in article 10, or by proceeding with the negotiations for the Cultural Program between the Parties. The Kazakh side, represented by Akimat (city-hall) of Almaty has proposed a mutually beneficial cooperation for the development of culture, in particular the exchange of experiences between cities. As a realization of this idea, the two sides exchanged ideas on the following issues: - Conclusion of bilateral cooperation between Almaty and Athens and holding days of culture in the both cities; - Creation of conditions for education and training of employees in field of culture, exchange of tours of creative groups, teams of circus art, exhibitions of museum and library funds, forums in the field of cultural heritage, the exchange of experience in the field of management for the improvement and development of zoos; - An invitation of artists, art groups to participate in the international competitions and festivals in different direction of culture. 2.11 Science and Technology ȉhe two sides expressed their intention to develop their cooperation in the field of Science and Technology and to further examine the practical modalities of this cooperation. experience in the field of construction of modern infrastructure as well as examining the possibilities of the Hellenic Side's engagement in the construction and building material industries in the Republic of Kazakhstan. 2.12 Cooperation in the field of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship The two Sides, have agreed to explore the possibilities of cooperation for SMEs in the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan, creating ties between them and promoting favorable environment for bilateral trade and investment. The two sides also shall endeavor to exchange information on SMEs’ polices, best practices and investment opportunities.