Turkish Companies Eye Investment in Kazakhstan’s Agriculture

The focus was on projects related to grain and legume processing, cattle hide processing, ice cream production, and the localization of agricultural equipment manufacturing.

Turkish companies involved in grain legume processing highlighted Kazakhstan’s potential for producing high-value products, such as amino acids like lysine and gluten, which are in strong market demand.

Ice cream manufacturers are interested in supplying nearby markets like Russia and China. For this, they require high-quality milk with elevated lactose content. Saparov noted that Kazakhstan is implementing a dairy farm development program, with plans to build 65 modern dairy farms that could supply the necessary raw materials.

Hide processing companies are attracted by Kazakhstan’s advantageous position due to its raw material availability and market access. The focus is on producing gelatin and raw hides. The Minister of Agriculture pointed out that currently only 17% of the 3.5 million hides produced annually are processed and exported, with the rest being unused. The minister expressed a commitment to fast-tracking gelatin production projects.

Saparov emphasized Kazakhstan’s attractive investment conditions, including cost reimbursement rules, tax incentives, and other support measures. Turkish business representatives highlighted the need for logistics subsidies to enhance agricultural export capabilities.

The Kazakh delegation, which included representatives from business associations and meat and dairy producers, visited Türkiye as part of the initiative. In June 2024, Kazakhstan lifted temporary restrictions on foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, and bird flu, some of which had been in place for nearly two decades. Kazakhstan and Türkiye are now organizing inspections of supplier enterprises to facilitate product imports.