Αποφάσεις - Ανακοινώσεις — ΦΕΚ A' 39/2021

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, η οποία κυρώθηκε με τον ν. 3119/2003 (Α’ 54).

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

Την υπό στοιχεία Υ6/9.7.2019 απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υπουργό Επικρατείας» (Β’ 2902).

Την υπό στοιχεία Υ45/5.8.2020 απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Αναπληρωτή Υπουργό Ανάπτυξης και Επενδύσεων, Νικόλαο Παπαθανάση».

Την υπό στοιχεία Υ63/9.8.2019 απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Αναπληρωτή Υπουργό Εξωτερικών, Μιλτιάδη Βαρβιτσιώτη» (Β’ 3161).

Την υπό στοιχεία Υ1/8.1.2021 απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Αναπληρωτή Υπουργό Εσωτερικών, Στυλιανό Πέτσα» (Β’48).

Την υπό στοιχεία Π23ΥΦΥΠ-44431/05.08.2019 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Εξωτερικών «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υφυπουργό Εξωτερικών Κωνσταντίνο Φραγκογιάννη» (Β’ 3135).

Την υπό στοιχεία ΔΝΣα’/οικ. 59172//7775/ΦΝ 459/ 19.07.2019 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Υποδομών και Μεταφορών «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στον Υφυπουργό Υποδομών και Μεταφορών Ιωάννη Κεφαλογιάννη» (Β’ 3058).

Την υπ’ αρ. 5359/10.8.2020 κοινή απόφαση του Πρωθυπουργού και του Υπουργού Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Τροφίμων «Ανάθεση Αρμοδιοτήτων στην Υφυπουργό Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Τροφίμων, Φωτεινή Αραμπατζή» (Β’ 3374).

Το άρθρο 90 του Κώδικα της Νομοθεσίας για την Κυβέρνηση και τα Κυβερνητικά όργανα (π.δ. 63/2005, Α’ 98), όπως διατηρήθηκε σε ισχύ με την παρ. 22 του άρθρου 119 του ν. 4622/2019 (Α΄133).

Το γεγονός ότι εκ της εφαρμογής του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου ουδεμία δαπάνη προκαλείται σε βάρος του κρατικού προϋπολογισμού.

Το περιεχόμενο του υπό έγκριση Πρωτοκόλλου, αποφασίζουμε: Εγκρίνουμε, ως έχει και στο σύνολο, το Πρωτόκολλο της 4ης Συνόδου της Μικτής Διυπουργικής Επιτροπής για την Οικονομική και Τεχνολογική Συνεργασία μεταξύ της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Δημοκρατίας του Καζακστάν, που υπεγράφη στην Αθήνα, στις 24 Σεπτεμβρίου 2018, το κείμενο του οποίου, σε πρωτότυπο στην αγγλική γλώσσα και σε μετάφραση στην ελληνική έχει ως εξής: THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN (Athens, 24th September 2018) The fourth 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 2001 Agreement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Economic and Technological Cooperation, was held in Athens, on September 24, 2018. Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Georges Katrougkalos, headed the Hellenic Delegation. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Roman Vassilenko, headed the Kazakh Delegation. The Lists of Participants of both delegations are attached (Annex I and II). During the meeting of the Committee 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 3rd Session of the Committee, held in Astana, on 26lh September, 2016. Both Sides stated their readiness to take all necessary measures, in order to improve the bilateral relations, on the basis of mutual interest. The following issues were discussed, according to the approved Agenda (Annex III):

PROMOTION OF BILATERAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION The two Sides exchanged information concerning issues on bilateral trade and economic developments in both countries, as well as considered policy measures which may facilitate and strengthen the development of their bilateral trade and economic cooperation. period of 2017. Exports increased by 20% and amounted to 737.6 million USD. Import for the same period increased by 25% to 12.5 million USD. Foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan and Greece in 2017 amounted to 980.6 million USD. Kazakhstan exports to Greece in 2017 amounted to 964 million USD, having increased by 94.6 million USD compared to the same period in 2016, imports from Greece to Kazakhstan amounted to 16.6 million USD, with an increase compared to 2016 by 3.4 million USD. The course of development on the total volume of trade between Greece and Kazakhstan over the years tends to embody mutual targets and prospective for further developing and strengthening economic and trade relations. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority the volume of trade between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan was 1.157,5 million euros in 2017 or 1.307,6 million US dollars of which 9,5 million euros or 10,73 million US dollars were export goods from Greece to Kazakhstan and the remainder 1.146 million euros or 1.296,9 million US dollars were export goods from Kazakhstan to Greece. Under the present circumstances both Sides acknowledged that the current volume of trade reflects neither the needs nor the existing potential of the two countries. In this regard and for the mutual interest, both sides reaffirmed the need to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations through: • Entrepreneurial undertakings on a bilateral and multilateral level. • Encouraging companies to participate in fairs and exhibitions to be held in both countries. • Enhancing cooperation between Chambers of Commerce and Industry Business Associations including other Business Organisations, with the main objective to extend the expansion of links between companies on both sides. Such as, presenting the countries products and services in local and international Fairs as well as in third countries, through mutual undertakings by creating possibilities with the intention of exploring business opportunities, market research, visits and developing joint venture networks in the respective countries of both sides. • Enhancing cooperation in agri-food sector. • Exploring economic opportunities of cooperation in attaching investment from both Hellenic and Kazakh companies in the fields of energy (particularly in efficient and renewable energy sources), telecommunications, manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, banking and finance, tourism, construction, scientific and professional activity etc. The Sides stated that further developments in commercial and economic ties as well as promoting investment and trade opportunities between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan are common objectives shared by both countries. 1.1 Investment Cooperation The Kazakh Side provided to the Greek Side with information on investment legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as a list of projects requiring investments. The Kazakh Side informed the Greek Side about the activities of the National Agency "Kazakh Invest", which accompanies foreign investors at the all stages of business activity in Kazakhstan and offered to inform representatives of the Greek business about the possibility of cooperation with the company. The Kazakh Side expressed its request for information about Greek companies, interested in implementation of investment projects on the territory of Kazakhstan. Greek Side has provided detailed information for the Golden Visa Program which grants a five year residence permit to foreign investors (and family members) in return for a minimum investment in real estate (the amount of which is currently 250.000 Euros) as well as on its intention to facilitate the continued entry and residence in Greece of real estate owners. The Greek Side reported on the activities of the Asset Development Fund of the Hellenic Republic and invited Kazakh Investors to participate in the privatization of the public property. In turn, the Kazakh Side invited the Greek Side to participate in the comprehensive privatization plan 2016-2020. The list of the objects will be sent via diplomatic channels.

BILATERAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK In order to promote bilateral economic cooperation the two sides agreed to speed up the discussion on the following documents: 2.1 In order to create conditions for the further development of economic ties between the two countries, both Sides have agreed to explore the possibility of signing a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and on Capital. 2.2 The two Sides encourage the cooperation in the field of Archives according to the legislation of each country, in particular concerning the exchange of digital copies of archival material and agree to examine the possibility of signing a relevant agreement. 2.3 The Greek Side expressed its support to the Kazakh side on the issue of facilitation of the visa regime between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union. 2.4 Both Sides agreed to consider the possibility of signing an intergovernmental Agreement on the abolition of visas for holders of service passports.

ENHANCING COOPERATION IN PRIORITY SECTORS 3.1 ENERGY Both Sides, recognizing the mutual benefit deriving from the further development of the oil and gas sector, affirmed their intention to consider the possibility to exchange good practices and to facilitate contacts between their business sectors, private and public. At the same time, the Greek side proposed to the Kazakh side to extend technical assistance of energy infrastructure facilities, in accordance with the international environmental standards. More specifically, the Greek Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Saving (CRES) has the possibility of the provision of technical assistance in the following domain: Improvement of interaction on the institutional level aimed at shaping and implementing a policy in the fields of state policy instruments support, strategy enhancement on energy efficiency implementation framework at national and regional levels and support of RES development. or Middle Corridor) considering it an efficient and the 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 the Greek operators with International Association «Trans- Caspian International Transport Route», the headquarters of which is located in Astana city (Kazakhstan). Road Freight and Auto Passenger Transport The Sides confirm the positive trend in their cooperation in the field of international transports, 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). In order to develop reciprocal road transports, the Sides agreed to intensify the activities of the Joint Committee stipulated by the framework of the bilateral Agreement. In this framework, the Sides agreed that exact date and place of the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Road Transport will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels. Air Transport The two Sides acknowledged the importance of air transport links for the enhancement of bilateral tourist flows and facilitation of business interaction to the mutual benefit on multiple levels. In this regard, both sides undertook to encourage their airlines to establish direct air services between their two countries in the future. The two Sides agreed to finalize the Air Services Agreement which is currently under negotiations. Maritime Transport The Sides expressed their interest in developing the cooperation in the field of international maritime transport sectors by exchanging experience of implementing IMO instruments in the field of port state control, training and certification of seafarers, prevention of marine pollution and search and rescue at the sea. 3.3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY The Ministry of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media of the Hellenic Republic expresses its willingness for cooperation with the respective Ministries and Agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of audiovisual productions, telecommunications and digital Policy. In particular, the Greek Side seeks the cooperation between the two countries in the context of the development of audiovisual production and audiovisual works (cinema, TV series, animation and video games). The Greek Side proposes the following sections for cooperation and exchange of experience: Smart Cities, Smart Roads, Spectrum Auctions, Public - Private Sector Partnerships, Small Cells - ApplicationsLegislation. 3.4 AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SECTOR The two Sides agreed to explore the possibilities of enhancing their bilateral cooperation in the agricultural and aquaculture sector in areas of mutual interest. This cooperation shall be implemented through: -Exchange of technical information, knowhow and experience - Exchange of visits of experts and consultants -Organisation of training programs, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and meetings in either of the two countries. The two Sides agreed to explore the possibility of promoting cooperation between scientific research institutes of the two countries, in fields of mutual interest. The Greek Side stressed the importance attached to developing cooperation in the field of certified quality products and highlighted its interest for the promotion of Greek agricultural products with Geographical Indications (GIs). 3.5 COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TECHNICAL REGULATIONS FOR QUALITY SERVICES The two Sides, wishing to create favourable conditions for the development of technological cooperation, aiming to facilitate bilateral economic relations, to eliminate technical barriers and to develop "quality policies" within the manufacturing sector, agreed to broaden the cooperation between the two countries in the field of quality services, in particular in Standardization, Accreditation, Certification, Metrology, Laboratory Testing and Conformity Assessment. The cooperation could include the exchange of good practices and information on technical legislative issues and standards as well as the provision of expertise and know-how on business innovation issues. 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 harmonised 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 of signing Agreements, between the respective National Bodies in the above-mentioned fields. 3.6 TOURISM The two Sides reiterated their willingness to promote the development and strengthening of cooperation in the field of tourism between their countries. With a view to further intensifying the bilateral tourist flows, both Sides decided to encourage the exchange of information on statistics and legislation related to tourism. with an emphasis on cultural tourism, gastronomic tourism, health tourism and religious tourism. They also expressed their willingness to encourage launching direct flights between Greece and Kazakhstan. The Greek Side reiterated its invitation to the 8th UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism, jointly organized with the Region of Central Macedonia and the UNWTO in Thessaloniki, Greece from 10-12 October 2018 as an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges and perspectives that Silk Road offer for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits from tourism local development. Furthermore, the two Sides expressed their satisfaction over the finalization of the draft text of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Tourism between the competent Ministries of the two countries and agreed to proceed to its signing. 3.7 INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION The two Sides expressed their interest in the development of interregional cooperation. They also agreed to exchange information on the capabilities and needs of the regions of the two countries concerning trade and investment issues. The two Sides expressed their interest in examining the forms and funding tools of territorial cooperation, according to the institutional framework which governs the international partnerships of their Regions.

EU-KAZAKHSTAN AREAS OF COOPERATION UNDER ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT (EPCA) The EPCA, the new generation Agreement, shows the importance the EU and Kazakhstan attach to the enhancement of their relations. The EPCA will enrich existing cooperation, expanding it in more than 29 key policy areas of extreme importance. In this context, the two Sides stand to exchange expertise and explore bilateral means of mutual cooperation in various areas and specific projects of common interest to the benefit of the citizens of both countries.