Kazakhstan Ready to Become a Hub for Rapeseed Processing for Export to China

 

At the Forum of Exporters of Non-Raw Goods and Services, held on July 12 in Astana, the leadership of the National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan proposed accelerating the resolution of issues related to the export of rapeseed oil to China. They believe this would significantly increase the volume of oilseed product exports.

 

According to representatives of the Association, China, one of the largest importers of GM agricultural products, periodically blocks shipments of rapeseed oil from Kazakhstan upon detecting GMO strains. This contradicts the practice of importing similar products from countries where GM crop cultivation is permitted, such as Brazil, the USA, Argentina, and Canada.

 

This issue is addressed in the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Agricultural Product Processing and the Food Industry for 2024-2028, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The initiative to remove barriers is set to be implemented in 2024-2025.

 

Processors suggest accelerating the resolution of this issue to ensure the unhindered export of rapeseed oil, produced both from local non-GMO rapeseed and from imported GM seeds that meet China's food safety standards. This would not only increase export opportunities but also allow Kazakhstan to act as a transit hub, processing Russian rapeseed and exporting the finished product to China, positively impacting the country's economy and the development of the industry.