Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, met with Aleshka Simkich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to the country. The parties had a productive exchange of views, focusing on the most important aspects of economic cooperation, especially in the areas of agricultural trade, veterinary and sanitary standards, as well as prospects for attracting investment in the agro-industrial complex, APK News reports.
According to the Minister, the EU occupies a significant place among Kazakhstan's trading partners in the agricultural sector. Thus, in 2024, the total volume of mutual trade in agricultural products reached $1.3 billion, an increase of 7%. In the first half of this year, this figure has already grown by another 11%, amounting to about $662 million. This underlines the significant growth potential, especially in the export of eco-products such as grain and flour. To realize new opportunities, the transit of grain through the Baltic ports is being considered.
"We have significant potential for increasing the export of environmentally friendly products, in particular grain and flour, and are ready to ensure stable grain supplies to the European market. In this regard, negotiations are underway with Estonia and Latvia on the use of Baltic ports as transit hubs," noted Aidarbek Saparov.
A separate topic of discussion concerned the export of livestock products. Today, about 20 domestic producers have received permission to supply fish to the EU. Opening up the EU markets to Kazakhstani honey, aquaculture products and horse meat is also being actively considered. The development of relevant national quality control standards and harmonization of sanitary requirements is underway.
In addition, the meeting emphasized the high activity of European investors in Kazakhstan. A number of large-scale projects with a total value of over $270 million are being implemented: the creation of premium premix plants in Almaty, compound feed in Kostanay (UBM Group), the production of soft drinks (Carlsberg Group), the development of crops (ALFASEED project). Added to this is the successful activities of European companies engaged in the production of agricultural equipment, such as CLAAS, Amazone-Werke, SDF Group, Pöttinger, as well as the project to localize John Deere equipment launched in 2025.
Summing up the meeting, Aidarbek Saparov emphasized Kazakhstan's openness to new initiatives from European entrepreneurs and the desire to expand cooperation with the European Union. For her part, the EU Ambassador noted the significant potential for bilateral cooperation and expressed confidence in further strengthening of relations.