OREANDA-NEWS. The economies of the CIS countries are gradually recovering from the coronavirus pandemic; in the first half of the year, mutual trade grew by almost 27%, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

“The pandemic has become a serious test for our states and the whole world, has caused a decrease in business activity. However, the economies of the Commonwealth countries are gradually recovering. Over the first half of this year, mutual trade grew by almost 27%, and foreign trade turnover - by more than a quarter. product in the Commonwealth as a whole increased by almost 4.5%, "Mishustin said in his speech at a meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of Governments.

According to him, cargo transportation, production of industrial products are also growing, and such results were achieved, among other things, thanks to the operational measures that were taken to ensure the stability of the single market for goods.

The prime minister also called for the early conclusion of an agreement on free trade in services, which will contribute to building up cooperation.
"This year we managed to make significant progress in agreeing on this important document, it is necessary to complete the negotiation process and go out for signing. We hope that the circle of states participating in it will be as wide as possible," he added.

Mishustin also noted that over the 30 years of its existence, the Commonwealth has become an effective platform for interaction, has repeatedly confirmed its relevance in the international arena.