A bipartisan bill has been introduced to the U.S. Congress aimed at ending Cold War-era trade restrictions for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan and grant those countries permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status. Senators Chris Murphy and Todd Young put the bill forward on September 7 saying the Jackson-Vanik amendment, approved in 1974, "is an outdated trade policy that is holding back our partnerships with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan." The senators said the bill will lead to stronger trade ties, expanded international market access, and a greater ability "to counter malign influence from China and Russia."
U.S. Senators Introduce Bill To Rescind Trade Restrictions On Central Asia
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (file photo)