Kazakhstan Aims to Expand Agricultural Export Markets
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the significance of achieving self-sufficiency in food production and expanding agricultural exports during a meeting with domestic agricultural enterprise representatives on Sept. 23.
The Prime Minister’s press service announced that the Ministry of Trade and Integration, along with the Atameken Chamber, has been assigned to diversify Kazakhstan’s agricultural export markets beyond its usual partners, including Central Asia, China, Afghanistan, and Iran. New target markets will now include the European Union, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The Ministry of Agriculture projects this year’s grain harvest to reach at least 20 million tons. To support this initiative, the Ministry of Transport and the national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), have been directed to establish efficient transportation mechanisms for agricultural products.
Bektenov emphasized the government's commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, a national agricultural census is set for 2025 to improve sector efficiency. This census will provide updated data on land use, livestock, agricultural machinery, and infrastructure, ensuring effective use of state funds.
Starting in 2025, farmers will be able to access lower-interest loans directly from financial institutions. The ministry will handle subsidies, simplifying the process and reducing bureaucratic requirements for farmers.(Source:astanatimes)
