Kazakhstan Signs $75 Million Meat Export Agreements with China

 

 

The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan is actively working to fulfill the directive set by the Head of State to increase export volumes. This includes the implementation of the veterinary requirements protocol signed with the People's Republic of China.

 

A significant meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan where Minister Aidarbek Saparov discussed cooperation prospects with representatives from major Chinese companies, CITIC Construction and Beijing Capital Agro. Representatives from Kazakhstan's agro-industrial companies including "Meat processing and Service company," "Elimai Kokpekti," "Astana Agro Product," Agro Silk Way, and "Zhake" Cooperative, as well as the "Meat Union of Kazakhstan," were also present.

 

Minister Saparov noted that the trade turnover of agricultural products between Kazakhstan and China reached $1.3 billion in 2023, which is a 67% increase compared to the previous year. He emphasized that the export volume of agricultural products to China had doubled, reaching $1 billion.

 

According to the minister, Kazakhstan has created all the necessary conditions for the development of export potential and the production of environmentally friendly products. Specifically, this year, the area under fodder crops was increased by 314,000 hectares, which aids the development of all types of livestock farming.

 

In February 2024, China lifted restrictions on meat product exports from the southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, allowing the resumption of high-quality food product supplies. The first batch of beef was exported in June.

 

During the meeting, three new contracts totaling $75 million were signed, concerning meat exports and live cattle supply. Representatives of the Chinese companies expressed interest in long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan, especially in the procurement of beef and live cattle. Beijing Capital Agro plans to invest more than $600 million in the meat livestock industry by 2030 and create feedlots, involving over 600 farms. The creation of more than 3,500 jobs is expected.