The speaker of the lower house of Russia"s...
The presidents of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan signed a package of deals on November 27 to create a customs union with common tariffs, paving the way for a single economic space.
In line with the agreement, the three countries began using common customs tariffs on January 1.
Boris Gryzlov said the introduction of common customs tariffs was the "most visible and real step towards the integration of the three countries."
"We are convinced that it [the integration] benefits both Russia and its partners," he said.
Gryzlov said the customs union would impede investments in the creation of new and the modernization of existing businesses in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
"According to expert estimates, it could provide the countries with a significant effect: additional GDP growth will reach 14-15%," he said.
The countries" aggregate GDP is $2 trillion, and their trade turnover is estimated at $900 billion.