(e) the improvement of the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, including development of agricultural cooperatives, and the efficiency and transparency of the markets;
(f) the exchange of experience in the implementation of quality policies, including geographical indications, and control mechanisms, food safety, and the development of organic agriculture;
(g) the promotion of knowledge dissemination and provision of extension services to the subjects of the agricultural sector;
(h) the exchange of experience in policies related to sustainable development of agribusiness and the processing and distribution of agricultural products;
(i) the promotion of cooperation in projects of agro-industrial investments and innovations, in particular in the field of livestock and crop development.
Article 278. Cooperation In the Area of Agriculture and Rural Development
The Parties shall cooperate to promote agricultural and rural development, in particular through exchange of knowledge and best practices and progressive convergence of policies and legislation, in the areas of interest to the Parties.
Article 279. General Cooperation Objectives In the Areas of Mining and Raw Materials
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation in the areas of mining and the production of raw materials, with the objectives of promoting mutual understanding, improving the business environment, exchanging information and cooperating on non-energy issues relating in particular to the mining of metallic ores and industrial minerals.
Article 280. Cooperation In the Areas of Mining and Raw Materials
Cooperation in the areas of mining and raw materials shall cover, inter alia:
(a) the exchange of information on developments in their respective mining and raw material sectors;
(b) the exchange of information on matters related to trade in raw materials with the aim of promoting bilateral exchanges;
(c) the exchange of information and best practice in relation to the sustainable development of the mining industries, including in the application of clean technologies in the mining processes;
(d) the exchange of information and best practice in relation to health and safety in the mining industries;
(e) the exchange of information and best practice in relation to capacity building and training in the mining sector;
(f) the development of joint scientific and technological initiatives.
Article 281. Areas of Research and Innovation Cooperation and General Objectives
The Parties shall promote cooperation:
(a) in all areas of civil scientific research and technological development, on the basis of mutual benefit and subject to appropriate and effective protection of intellectual property rights; and
(b) to encourage innovation.
Article 282. Cooperation In the Area of Research and Innovation
Cooperation in the area of research and innovation shall cover, inter alia:
(a) policy dialogue and the exchange of scientific and technological information;
(b) the exchange of information and best practice regarding innovation and the commercialisation of research and development, including support instruments for technology‑based business start‑ups, cluster development and access to finance;
(c) the facilitation of access to the respective research and innovation programmes of the Parties;
(d) increasing the research capacity in research entities of the Kyrgyz Republic and the facilitation of their participation in the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Union and in other potential initiatives financed by the European Union;
(e) the development and the promotion of joint projects for research and innovation;
(f) the promotion of the commercialisation of results of joint research and innovation projects;
(g) the facilitation of new technology access to domestic markets of the Parties;
(h) the arrangement of training activities and mobility programmes for scientists, researchers and other staff engaged in research and innovation activities in the Parties;
(i) the facilitation, within the framework of applicable legislation, of the free movement of research workers participating in activities covered by this Agreement and the cross‑border movement of goods intended for use in such activities;
(j) other forms of cooperation in the area of research and innovation, including through regional approaches and initiatives, on the basis of mutual agreement.
Article 283. Synergies with other Activities
In carrying out the cooperation activities set out in Article 282, synergies should be sought with activities funded by the International Science and Technology Centre (hereinafter referred to as the "ISTC") and other activities carried out within the framework of financial cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic as set out in Article 304.
Title VI. OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
Article 284. Cooperation In the Area of Consumer Protection
The Parties recognise the importance of ensuring a high level of consumer protection and, to that end, shall endeavour to cooperate in the field of consumer policy. The Parties agree that such cooperation in this field shall, to the extent possible, involve:
(a) the exchange of information on their respective consumer protection frameworks, including on consumer laws, consumer product safety, consumer redress, the enforcement and implementation of consumer legislation and consumer awareness;
(b) the encouragement of the development of independent consumer associations and contacts between consumer representatives.
Article 285. General Cooperation Objectives In the Area of Employment, Social Security and Equal Opportunities
1. The Parties, taking into account Agenda 2030 and its SDG No 8: to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, recognise that full and productive employment and decent work for all are key elements of sustainable development.
2. The Parties shall strengthen their dialogue and cooperation on promoting the ILO Decent Work Agenda, employment policy, living and working conditions, health and safety at work, social dialogue, social protection, social inclusion, gender equality and anti-discrimination, and thereby contribute to the promotion of more and better jobs, poverty reduction, enhanced social cohesion, sustainable development and improved quality of life.
3. The Parties shall aim at enhancing cooperation on decent work, employment and social policy matters in all relevant fora and organisations.
Article 286. ILO Conventions and Involvement of Stakeholders
1. The Parties reaffirm their commitment to implement the applicable ILO conventions they have ratified and to promote further ratification.
2. The Parties shall encourage, in line with the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998 and the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation of 2008, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, in particular social partners, in their respective social policy development and in the cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic under this Agreement.
Article 287. Cooperation In the Area of Employment, Social Security and Equal Opportunities
Cooperation in the area of employment, social security and equal opportunities, based on the exchange of information and best practice, shall cover, inter alia:
(a) the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of social cohesion; inclusive labour markets and the integration of vulnerable people;
(b) the promotion of more and better jobs with decent working conditions, in particular with a view to reducing the informal economy and informal employment and to improving living conditions;
(c) the improvement of working conditions, in particular the protection and enforcement of labour rights and the level of protection of health and safety at work;
(d) the enhancement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in social and economic life and by ensuring equal opportunities between men and women in employment, education, training, economy, society and decision making;
(e) the elimination of all forms of discrimination in employment and social affairs in accordance with each Party's obligations under international standards and conventions;
(f) the enhancement of the level of social protection for all and modernising social protection systems, in terms of quality, adequacy, accessibility and financial sustainability;
(g) the enhancement of the participation of social partners and promoting social dialogue, including through strengthening the capacity of social partners.
Article 288. Cooperation on the Responsible Management of Supply Chains
1. The Parties recognise the importance of responsible management of supply chains through responsible business conduct and corporate social responsibility practices and through the provision of an enabling environment. They shall support the dissemination and use of relevant international instruments, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises adopted on 21 June 1976 as part of the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises, the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy adopted in Geneva on 16 November 1977, the UN Global Compact launched in New York on 26 July 2000, and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council by Resolution 17/4 of 16 June 2011.
2. The Parties shall exchange information as well as best practice and, as appropriate, cooperate with each other, regionally and in international fora, on issues covered by this Article.
Article 289. General Cooperation Objectives In the Area of Health
The Parties shall develop their cooperation in the area of public health with a view to raising the level of protection of human health and reducing health inequalities, in line with common health values and principles, and as a precondition for sustainable development and economic growth.
Article 290. Cooperation In the Area of Health
Cooperation in the area of health shall address the prevention and control of communicable and non‑communicable diseases, including through the exchange of health information, the promotion of a health‑in‑all-policies approach, cooperation with international organisations, in particular the World Health Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "WHO"), and the promotion of the implementation of international health agreements such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control done at Geneva on 21 May 2003 and the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Assembly of the WHO on 23 May 2005.
Article 291. General Cooperation Objectives In the Area of Education and Training
1. The Parties shall cooperate in the area of education and training with a view to approximating the education and training systems in the Kyrgyz Republic with those in the European Union. The Parties shall cooperate to promote lifelong learning and encourage cooperation and transparency at all levels of education and training.
2. The aim of cooperation between the Parties in the area of education and training will be to support education policy based on Agenda 2030 and SDG No 4 aimed at ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.
Article 292. Cooperation In the Area of Education and Training
Cooperation in the area of education and training shall focus on:
(a) the promotion of lifelong learning, which is key to growth and jobs and can allow citizens to participate fully in society;
(b) the modernisation of education and training systems, including training systems for public/civil servants, and the enhancement of quality, relevance and access throughout the education ladder, from early childhood education and care to tertiary education;
(c) the promotion of convergence and coordinated reforms in higher education;
(d) the reinforcement of international academic cooperation, the increase of participation in cooperation programmes of the European Union, and the improvement of student, staff and researchers mobility;
(e) the further development of the national qualifications framework to improve the transparency and recognition of qualifications and competences;
(f) the further development of vocational education and training, while taking into consideration best practice in the European Union.
Article 293. Cooperation In the Area of Youth Policy
Cooperation in the area of youth policy shall support Agenda 2030 and the implementation of its SDGs.
Article 294. Objectives for Cooperation In the Area of Youth Policy
The Parties shall:
(a) reinforce cooperation and exchanges in the areas of youth policy and non-formal education for young people and youth workers;
(b) facilitate the active participation of all young people in society;
(c) support mobility for young people and youth workers as a means to promote intercultural dialogue and the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences outside the formal educational systems, including through volunteering; and
(d) promote cooperation between youth organisations to support civil society.
Article 295. Cooperation In the Area of Culture
1. The Parties shall promote cultural cooperation in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as "UNESCO") on 20 October 2005, in order to foster intercultural dialogue, promote cultural diversity, mutual understanding and knowledge of their respective cultures.
2. The Parties shall take appropriate measures to promote cultural exchanges and encourage joint initiatives in various cultural spheres and exchange best practice in the field of training and capacity building for artists and cultural professionals and organisations.
3. The Parties shall cooperate in the framework of multilateral international treaties and international organisations including, but not limited to UNESCO in order to support cultural diversity and preserve and valorise cultural and historical heritage.
Article 296. Cooperation In the Areas of Media and Audiovisual Policy
1. The Parties shall cooperate in the areas of media and audiovisual policy, in particular through the exchange of information and best practice regarding media and audiovisual policies and training for journalists and other media, cinema and audiovisual professionals.
2. The Parties shall cooperate to reinforce independence and professionalism of the media, based on the standards set in the applicable international conventions, including those of UNESCO and the Council of Europe, where appropriate.
3. The Parties shall cooperate in the areas of media and audiovisual policy in international fora, such as UNESCO and the WTO.
Article 297. Cooperation In the Area of Sport and Physical Activity
The Parties shall cooperate in the area of sport and physical activity in order to promote a healthy lifestyle, to promote good governance within the framework of both social and educational values, and to combat such threats to sport as doping, match-fixing, racism and violence. Cooperation in the area of sports and physical activity shall include the exchange of information and best practice, sports know-how, sports management and marketing.
Article 298. Cooperation In the Area of Regional Development
The Parties shall promote mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation in the area of regional development policy, including methods of formulation and implementation of regional policies, multi-level governance and partnership, with special emphasis on the development of disadvantaged areas and territorial cooperation, with the objective of improving living conditions, promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, and enhancing the exchange of information and experience between national, regional and local authorities, as well as participation of socio-economic actors and civil society.
Article 299. Regional Policy and Cross-border Cooperation
The Parties shall support and strengthen the involvement of local and regional level authorities in regional policy cooperation and cross-border cooperation, in order to promote mutual understanding and information exchange, develop capacity building measures, promote establishment of relevant structures and legislative framework and strengthen cross-border economic and business networks.
Article 300. Cross-border Cooperation In other Areas
The Parties shall strengthen and encourage development of cross-border cooperation in other areas covered by this Agreement such as trade, transport, energy, water, environment, climate change, communication networks, culture, education, research, tourism, and border security.
Article 301. Sustainable Connectivity
The Parties shall promote sustainable connectivity in the region of Central Asia and beyond. To that end, the Parties shall cooperate on issues of common interest, to advance connectivity strategies and initiatives that are economically, fiscally, environmentally and socially sustainable in the long term and aligned with internationally agreed rules and regulations.
Article 302. Cooperation In the Area of Legislative Approximation
1. The Parties consider that an important aspect of strengthening the links between the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union is a gradual convergence of existing and future legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic to that of the European Union. The Kyrgyz Republic will aim at gradually making its legislation compatible with that of the European Union, in agreed areas covered by this Agreement.
2. This cooperation shall aim, inter alia, at developing the administrative and institutional capacity of the Kyrgyz Republic, to the extent necessary to implement this Agreement and to carry out the necessary structural reforms and legislative approximation, as applicable.
Article 303. Technical Assistance
The European Union shall endeavour to provide the Kyrgyz Republic with technical assistance for the implementation of the measures referred to in Article 302, by means of inter alia:
(a) the exchange of experts;
(b) the provision of early information especially on relevant legislation;
(c) the organisation of seminars;
(d) training activities, including online.
Article 304. Financial and Technical Assistance
1. With a view to achieving the objectives of this Agreement, the Kyrgyz Republic may receive financial assistance from the European Union in the form of grants and loans, possibly in partnership with the European Investment Bank and other international financial institutions. The Kyrgyz Republic may also receive technical assistance.
2. Financial assistance may be provided in accordance with the relevant funding instruments of the European Union concerning the external action. Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council (32) shall apply to financing by the European Union.
3. Financial assistance shall be based on annual action programmes established by the European Union, following consultations with the Kyrgyz Republic.
4. The European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic may co‑finance programmes and projects. The Parties shall coordinate programmes and projects on financial and technical cooperation and shall exchange information on all sources of assistance.
5. The delivery of financial assistance of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic shall be guided by the principles of aid effectiveness, as laid down in the OECD Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted on 2 March 2005, the New European Consensus on Development signed by the European Union and its Member States on 7 June 2017, the reports of the European Court of Auditors, and the lessons learned from implemented and ongoing cooperation programmes of the European Union in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Article 305. General Principles
1. The Parties shall implement financial assistance in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and cooperate in ensuring the protection of the financial interests of the EU and of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Parties shall take effective measures to prevent and fight fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities to the detriment of the financial interests of the European Union and of the Kyrgyz Republic.
2. Without prejudice to direct application of Article 308, any further agreement or financing instrument to be concluded between the Parties during the implementation of this Agreement shall provide for specific financial cooperation clauses covering on-the-spot checks, inspections, controls and anti-fraud measures, including inter alia, those conducted by the European Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office (hereinafter referred to as "OLAF").
Article 306. Donor Coordination
To make efficient use of available resources, the Parties commit themselves to ensuring that the contributions of the European Union are made in close coordination with contributions from other sources, third countries and international financial institutions. To this effect, information on all sources of assistance shall be exchanged regularly between the Parties. The assistance provided by the European Union may be co-financed by the Kyrgyz Republic.
Article 307. Prevention and Communication
1. When the Kyrgyz Republic is entrusted with the implementation of the funds of the European Union (hereinafter referred to as "EU funds") or is a beneficiary of EU funds under the direct management of the European Union, the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall take all appropriate measures to prevent irregularities, fraud, corruption, and any other illegal activities to the detriment of the funds of the European Union and, where applicable, the co-financing funds of the Kyrgyz Republic. To that end, the European Commission and the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall exchange, upon request, relevant information.
2. The authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall transmit to the European Union information which has come to their notice on suspected or actual cases of fraud, corruption, conflict of interest or other irregularity in connection with EU funds. Similarly, the European Union shall transmit to the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic such information in connection with co-financing funds of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Article 308. Cooperation with OLAF
1. Within the framework of this Agreement, OLAF shall be authorised to carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections in order to establish whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the European Union in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament of the Council (33) and Council Regulations (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 (34) and No 2988/95 (EC, Euratom) (35).
2. On-the-spot checks and inspections shall be prepared and conducted by OLAF in close cooperation with the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic. Officials of the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic may participate in the on-the-spot checks and inspections.
3. Where an economic operator resists an on-the-spot check or inspection, the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall give OLAF the assistance needed to allow it to discharge its duty in carrying out on-the-spot checks or inspections.
4. The competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall, upon request, exchange with OLAF information which might be relevant for the protection of the financial interests of the European Union.
5. For the transfer and processing of personal data, data protection rules of the transferring party apply.
6. OLAF may agree with the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic on further cooperation in the field of anti-fraud, including the conclusion of administrative arrangements.
Article 309. Investigation and Prosecution
The competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic shall ensure investigation and prosecution of suspected and actual cases of fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities to the detriment of EU funds. Where appropriate, OLAF may assist the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic in this task.
Title VII. INSTITUTIONAL, GENERAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 310. Cooperation Council
1. A Cooperation Council is hereby established to oversee the fulfilment of the objectives of this Agreement and supervise its implementation. It shall examine any major issues arising within the framework of this Agreement and any other bilateral or international issues of mutual interest.
2. The Cooperation Council shall meet at regular intervals, normally on an annual basis.
3. The Cooperation Council shall be composed of representatives of the Parties at ministerial level. The Cooperation Council shall meet in all necessary configurations, by mutual agreement.
4. The Cooperation Council shall establish its own rules of procedure, and the rules of procedure of the Cooperation Committee.
5. The Cooperation Council shall be chaired alternately by a representative of the European Union and a representative of the Kyrgyz Republic.
6. The Cooperation Council shall have the power to take decisions and make appropriate recommendations as provided for in this Agreement. Within the scope of Titles I, II, III, V, and VI of this Agreement, the Cooperation Council shall also have the power to take decisions and make recommendations as mutually agreed by the Parties. Decisions shall be binding on the Parties. The Cooperation Council shall take decisions and make recommendations following the completion of the Parties' respective internal procedures, as provided in their legislation.
7. The Cooperation Council may delegate to the Cooperation Committee any of its functions.
Article 311. Cooperation Committee
1. A Cooperation Committee is hereby established to assist the Cooperation Council in the performance of its duties.
2. The Cooperation Committee shall be chaired alternately by a representative of the European Union and a representative of the Kyrgyz Republic.
3. The Cooperation Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Parties at senior official level.
4. The Cooperation Committee shall meet once a year, or as mutually agreed, on a date and with an agenda agreed in advance by the Parties, in Brussels and Bishkek alternately. Special meetings may be convened, by mutual agreement, at the request of either of the Parties.