Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Agree to Boost Agricultural Product Trade
On October 15, during a working visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov met with Bakyt Torobaev, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan.
According to BasAgro.kz, the two parties discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand trade in agricultural products.
In 2023, the trade turnover of agricultural products between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan reached $299.4 million, with Kazakhstan exporting $220.1 million and importing $79.3 million. In the first seven months of 2024, there was an increase in exports from Kazakhstan, including pasta, wheat flour, and sunflower oil. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan increased its imports of mineral and carbonated water, milk, and bakery products.
“Agriculture is a strategic area for our cooperation. We must continue working to increase trade volumes, improve its structure, and expand the range of goods supplied,” emphasized Aidarbek Saparov.
The meeting also addressed Kyrgyzstan’s need for grain, with an agreement reached for the supply of Kazakh wheat. Torobaev instructed millers to collaborate with representatives of the Food Corporation, which will ship the first trial batch soon.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan expressed interest in importing mineral fertilizers, increasing export quotas for cattle and small livestock, while Kazakhstan sought to import early vegetables. The two countries also plan to enhance collaboration between research institutes and agricultural universities to exchange new plant varieties and hybrids.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers agreed to establish a working group to address emerging issues promptly.
