Russian PM says EAEU economies continue growth despite challenges

The member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) continue to post strong economic growth and deepen integration despite global challenges, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has said.

He noted that all key economic indicators across the EAEU, including gross domestic product, increased during the first half of 2026, and industrial output, agriculture, retail trade and intra-union trade all continued to expand, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The Russian prime minister also highlighted the Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in late May, as a key reference point for the bloc, adding that it should facilitate the implementation of joint digital projects.

Mishustin further stated that the EAEU is also expected to approve an agreement on electronic trade in goods on August 7.

The document will establish unified rules for online marketplaces operating within the union's internal market, which he remarked would protect the interests of both sellers and consumers while expanding product choice.

He also proposed that the Eurasian Economic Commission prepare an implementation plan for the EAEU's joint scientific and technological development strategy, stressing the need to further strengthen industrial cooperation among member states.

According to Mishustin, the digitalisation of logistics remains another strategic priority.

In his words, nearly all rail freight transport between Russia and Belarus was processed using electronic documentation last year, while the figure reached 81% for shipments between Russia and Kazakhstan.

According to him, the gradual digitalisation of logistics would strengthen trade not only within the EAEU but also with China, Iran and other friendly countries.

Mishustin added that closer cooperation among EAEU member states is intended to fully unlock each country's economic potential and, most importantly, improve people's quality of life.

"I am confident that the union's self-sufficiency and the complementarity of our economies will allow us to achieve this," Mishustin emphasised.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov