Kazakhstan and Latvia strengthen cooperation in the agro-industrial sector

Kazakhstan and Latvia discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and developing trade and logistics ties. The talks took place between Yermek Kenjekhanuly, Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, and Janis Irbe, Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Climate and Energy.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed the current state of cooperation in agriculture and discussed the further development of agricultural trade, transit and logistics cooperation, agricultural science and education, and veterinary and phytosanitary control.

Yermek Kenjekhanuly emphasized that Kazakhstan views Latvia as an important partner among European Union countries and attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral relations. He stated that the visit of the Latvian delegation confirms the interest of both countries in expanding practical cooperation and developing direct dialogue between relevant agencies, scientific organizations, and the business community.

Special attention was paid to trade and economic indicators. By the end of 2025, agricultural trade between Kazakhstan and Latvia reached $51.4 million. The Vice Minister noted that Kazakhstan occupies a key position in global food security and is among the largest grain producers. The country's total agricultural area is approximately 24 million hectares, a significant portion of which is devoted to grain.

The development of processed product exports, including flour, animal feed, pasta, and highly processed products, was also noted. Kazakhstan ranks 10th globally in grain exports, 2nd in flour exports, and 8th in sunflower oil exports.

The parties separately discussed the transit of Kazakh crop products through the Baltic region. In 2025, 750,000 tons of cargo were transported through Latvian ports, and since the beginning of 2026, this figure has already reached 250,000 tons.

The talks also touched on cooperation in agricultural science and education. The successful collaboration between the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University and the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies was noted. This partnership includes academic mobility programs, research internships, and joint research.

The Kazakh side expressed interest in expanding joint research projects, preparing applications for Erasmus+ programs, developing dual degree programs, and increasing academic mobility for master's and doctoral students.

A separate section of the meeting was devoted to veterinary and phytosanitary safety. Following the talks, the relevant agencies of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Plant Quarantine.

Meeting participants emphasized that the document will strengthen cooperation between the relevant services of Kazakhstan and Latvia, improve plant quarantine and protection systems, and facilitate the further expansion of mutual agricultural trade.

Furthermore, the parties intend to continue discussing prospects for bilateral cooperation at the Kazakh-Latvian Business Forum, currently taking place in Astana. The event is expected to facilitate new contacts between interested organizations and provide additional impetus for the development of partnership between the two countries.