US Congress Urged to Repeal Jackson–Vanik Amendment for Azerbaijan and Central Asia
Economy
Experts at a hearing of the US House Ways and Means Committee called for the Jackson–Vanik Amendment to be repealed for Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia. They said the continued restrictions create obstacles to expanding Washington’s trade and economic cooperation with the region.
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John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, said the amendment continues to hinder closer US relations with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. According to him, legislative action by Congress is required to fully remove the trade restrictions.
Herbst also highlighted the development of regional transport links. In his assessment, TRIPP — the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity — could create additional economic incentives to strengthen peace and normalize relations in the South Caucasus.
Expert Daniel Runde emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic importance, describing the country as an important bridge connecting Central Asia and the Caspian region with Western markets.
Runde also pointed to the prospects of TRIPP and the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline, an idea that has been discussed for about 30 years. He said implementation of the project could help increase gas supplies and potentially lower gas prices in the United States.
In Runde’s view, developing railways and highways, port infrastructure and fiber-optic communications would expand the region’s opportunities to access Western markets.
The Jackson–Vanik Amendment was adopted in the United States in 1974 and imposed trade restrictions on the Soviet Union over restrictions on emigration. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the amendment remained applicable to a number of former Soviet republics, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Herbst also highlighted the development of regional transport links. In his assessment, TRIPP — the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity — could create additional economic incentives to strengthen peace and normalize relations in the South Caucasus.
Expert Daniel Runde emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic importance, describing the country as an important bridge connecting Central Asia and the Caspian region with Western markets.
Runde also pointed to the prospects of TRIPP and the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline, an idea that has been discussed for about 30 years. He said implementation of the project could help increase gas supplies and potentially lower gas prices in the United States.
In Runde’s view, developing railways and highways, port infrastructure and fiber-optic communications would expand the region’s opportunities to access Western markets.
The Jackson–Vanik Amendment was adopted in the United States in 1974 and imposed trade restrictions on the Soviet Union over restrictions on emigration. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the amendment remained applicable to a number of former Soviet republics, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
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