During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Tajikistan, a trade and investment forum was held to explore opportunities for increased cooperation and investment between the two countries. The agricultural sector emerged as a key area for strengthening bilateral ties.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, highlighted the potential for expanding mutual trade in agricultural products. “Kazakhstan annually produces nearly $20 billion worth of agricultural products, with $6 billion in processed goods. Our goal is to double agricultural exports, currently exceeding $5 billion annually, within the next five years,” Saparov said at the forum.
He also discussed measures taken to modernize Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector, including the adoption of agricultural and digital technologies. Saparov identified several promising areas for collaboration with Tajikistan, such as boosting trade in crops and processed goods, enhancing livestock export opportunities, and encouraging joint ventures and investment.
Tajikistan is a long-standing importer of Kazakh grain, vegetable oil, and processed agricultural products. In the first half of this year, Kazakh wheat exports to Tajikistan rose by 15.6%, and flour exports doubled. Tajikistan, in turn, has the potential to increase exports of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is particularly interested in exporting high-quality livestock and poultry products, as well as improving cattle breeding through joint projects. An ongoing project with Tajik company SAHO LLP, which produces sunflower oil and feed meal in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe region, exemplifies the growing cooperation. The oil extraction plant has a capacity of 36,000 tons annually, with plans to expand refined oil production.
Saparov emphasized Kazakhstan’s readiness to support Tajik investors and explore investment opportunities in Tajikistan’s agricultural sector, including projects aimed at both the domestic market and third-country exports.
Both nations are also keen to collaborate on scientific research and innovation in agriculture, particularly in seed production and breeding. A memorandum of understanding was signed during President Tokayev’s visit, underlining their commitment to innovative cooperation in the sector.
