Kazakhstan and Libya Discuss Increasing Grain, Beef and Lamb Supplies

Kazakhstan and Libya are considering opportunities to increase bilateral trade in agricultural products. One of the main areas of cooperation could be the export of Kazakh grain crops, beef and lamb to the Libyan market.

Prospects for developing trade relations were discussed by Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, and Libya's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Abdul Latif Mohammed Al-Taher Hosni.

During the negotiations, Aidarbek Saparov emphasized Kazakhstan's interest in strengthening economic ties with Libya and expanding the presence of domestic agricultural products in North African countries. According to the minister, Kazakhstan is ready to increase supplies of agricultural commodities, particularly grain and meat products.

The minister stressed the need to move from discussing export opportunities to implementing specific trade projects. Among the main priorities, he identified expanding business contacts and establishing stable supply channels that take into account the needs of the Libyan market.

Opportunities for export development are supported by the production performance of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex. For the past two consecutive years, the country's grain harvest has exceeded 27 million tonnes. Oilseed production has reached 4.8 million tonnes, while the volume of leguminous crops grown has surpassed 1 million tonnes.

Over the past five years, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports have doubled, exceeding USD 7 billion. During the previous marketing year, 15.3 million tonnes of grain were supplied to foreign markets. This figure was 70% higher than the export volume recorded during the corresponding preceding period.

Expanding the geographical reach of supplies and entering new international markets remain among the priority areas for developing the country's agricultural sector.

For his part, Libya's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Abdul Latif Mohammed Al-Taher Hosni, expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan. He highlighted the importance of direct interaction between relevant government agencies, exchanging professional expertise and creating additional opportunities for mutual supplies of agricultural products.

Particular attention during the meeting was given to prospects for exporting Kazakh meat. Kazakhstan's cattle population stands at 9.3 million head, while the population of sheep and goats totals 24.3 million head. These resources provide a foundation for the further development of the livestock sector and the expansion of meat supplies to international markets.

To facilitate trade deliveries, the parties also discussed veterinary and phytosanitary cooperation, compliance with product safety requirements and improvements to trade procedures.

Further work will focus on agreeing on requirements for exported agricultural products and the conditions governing their access to the market.