Assessment of foreign trade between Russia and Central Asian countries

The relevance of the study is determined by the transformation of the geographical structure of Russia's foreign trade in the context of the "turn to the East". Also it is important to protect Russian economic interests in Central Asia. The authors show that trade and economic cooperation between Russia and the Central Asian countries is developing unevenly: the closest ties are established with Kazakhstan, a member of the EAEU, and Uzbekistan, which uses free trade regime. Kazakhstan makes 3.26% of Russia's merchandise exports and 3.89% of its merchandise imports, while Uzbekistan's part is 1.18% and 1.01%, respectively. The commodity structure of trade turnover with Kazakhstan is highly diversified, goods from third countries also play a significant role in imports because of the parallel import mechanism. Uzbekistan purchases Russian gas, food products, industrial goods, supplies vegetables and fruits, textiles, and gold. However, high rates of economic growth are predicted in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, so authors suggest an increase in exports of Russian goods and services. It is recommended to consider opening new industrial parks and assembly plants in Central Asian countries, and engaging businesses in Russian industrial development and import substitution programs, which will further facilitate the supply of innovative products to the Russian market. As the use of parallel imports diminishes, joint ventures with Russian capital established in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries will play an increasingly significant role in exports and imports. In the service sector, Russia's exports of tourism, medical, educational, and financial services appear promising.