Wojciechowski visits Kazakhstan, highlights favourable conditions for EU investors

A delegation of 39 agri-food businesses and organisations from across the European Union, led by Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, offered Kazakhstan a taste of European quality in a bid to expand Europe’s presence in Central Asian markets.

The High-Level Mission visiting Almaty and Astana from 27-31 May was also present at the International Food Industry Exhibition fair in the Kazakh capital to promote quality products, with hopes of facilitating European agricultural food and beverage exports to the country and the wider region.

Speaking ahead of the visit  Commissioner Wojciechowski, said the region has facilitated trade and transit for centuries adding: “This High-Level Mission is a strong signal of our intention to further strengthen our partnership.”

“Kazakhstani consumers show increasing interest and appreciation for exploring new and diverse culinary tastes. I am confident that the EU meets these high expectations. The companies and organisations accompanying me represent many of our most renowned products,” the commissioner explained.

Wines and spirits producers dominated the list of sectors represented in the business delegation, with the others being dairy, meats, fruits, cereals, bakery, and chocolate producers.

Potential to expand agricultural ties

Commissioner Wojciechowski met with Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov and discussed expanding cooperation in the sector, also tackling the issue of food security and measures to increase food exports to the EU market through joint projects for the production and processing of agro-industrial products.

Bektenov said: “The agro-industrial sector is one of the most important sectors. Considering our country’s potential in producing high-quality and environmentally friendly organic agricultural products, as well as the growing demand from Europe, we need to intensify efforts to expand the range of Kazakh goods exported to the European market.”

Wojciechowski highlighted the favourable conditions offered for investors in Kazakhstan, confirming the bloc’s intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The parties also discussed removing barriers in mutual trade and harmonising legislation.

Increasing trade volume

Since the beginning of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kazakhstan has gained strategic importance and is a key partner for the EU in Central Asia. The country was especially chosen for this first-of-its-kind mission, due to its vast agricultural land offering potential for cooperation and business opportunities.

Kazakhstan is an important destination for EU agricultural exports, worth €702 million in 2023. It also serves as a key gateway for EU food and beverage procedures seeking to enter the regional market.

In 2022, trade volume between parties totalled €40.2 billion, of which €29.8 billion accounts for Kazakh exports. Key agricultural export products from domestic producers to EU countries include wheat, flax seeds, rapeseed, processed grains, and other categories.

The EU expects the strengthening of its agri-food business in Kazakhstan to have a spillover effect on other Central Asian countries.

[By Xhoi Zajmi I Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]

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