Kazakhstan seeking to become open economy despite global protectionism - Tokayev

ASTANA. June 3 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has discussed global trade with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at a meeting in Almaty, the Kazakh presidential press service said on Monday.

"Despite growing global protectionism and trade restrictions, [Kazakhstan] is seeking to bolster its stance as a country with an open economy," Tokayev said.

Kazakhstan currently maintains trade with 180 countries, and the volume of its foreign trade in the past three years "has grown by 53% to reach $160 billion," he said.

"We are confident that, under your guidance, the international multilateral trade system will undergo a major transformation aimed at eliminating existing trade barriers and providing equal conditions. Your visit to Almaty is extremely important," Tokayev said.

The Kazakh president decorated Okonjo-Iweala with the Dostyk Order 2nd Class to recognize her achievements in bolstering a multilateral trade system and the WTO's global role.