During the working trip, Aidarbek Saparov spoke at the site of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of agriculture. The minister expressed confidence that the meeting of Kazakh and Turkish business will be the starting point for expanding partnership between the two countries, El.kz reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.
"In recent years, there has been a steady increase in trade indicators between our countries. At the end of 2023, the turnover of agricultural products increased by 13% and amounted to $ 325 mln.," Aidarbek Saparov said.
Traditionally, Kazakhstan exports lentils, cotton fiber, cereals, legumes, gluten and other goods to Turkey, that is, crop products and their processing. At the same time, the Turkish market was closed for most livestock products due to restrictions on animal diseases, some of which had been in effect for about 20 years.
However, thanks to active negotiations, the restrictions were lifted in June 2024. And on August 12, a number of companies that are engaged in growing, fattening, slaughtering cattle and meat processing, as part of the delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participate in negotiations with Turkish business. Deliveries can be carried out after Kazakh enterprises pass the inspection of the Turkish veterinary service.
Aidarbek Saparov noted that in addition to trade, investment cooperation is actively developing. In particular, with the participation of Turkish investors in Kazakhstan, 6 projects worth $53 million have already been successfully implemented. These are projects for the production of confectionery, the cultivation of crops, the production of cottonseed oil, the processing of legumes and others.
Currently, it is planned to implement 10 more investment projects worth $553 million. These are also modern high-tech projects, including the construction of a greenhouse complex, a plant for deep processing of wheat and peas, the construction of a vegetable store, the production of gelatin, full-cycle processing of legumes, grains and oilseeds.
"Kazakhstan is ready to provide the most comfortable conditions for Turkish investors and strengthen cooperation in the implementation of joint projects in the agro-industrial complex," Aidarbek Saparov said.