🌍 Kazakhstan Changes Export Promotion Approach: Focus on Air Cargo and VAT Refunds  

 

🔹 A new emphasis on air cargo has been introduced to reach key export markets, with priority given to agricultural and food products.

🔹 To support high-tech enterprises, a simplified and accelerated VAT refund process is proposed.

🔹 VAT refunds will allow the National Grain Corporation to reduce financial obligations and improve competitiveness.

 

The Government of Kazakhstan is introducing a new approach to export promotion, focusing on air cargo transportation to access key foreign markets. This initiative will primarily impact agricultural and food industry products. These plans were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin at a government meeting.

 

He emphasized that effective export promotion for goods with high added value should be based on three key elements: investment, production, and sales in priority export markets. This triad will help develop high-tech industries and strengthen Kazakhstan's position on the international stage.

 

One of the most important measures proposed by the Deputy Prime Minister is the simplification and acceleration of the VAT refund procedure for enterprises exporting high-tech products. The Ministry of Trade and Integration will form a list of Kazakh companies that will be able to take advantage of simplified VAT refunds for exports. This will be an important step in supporting high-tech enterprises and increasing their competitiveness in foreign markets.

 

Another pressing issue raised by Zhumangarin is the inequality in grain export conditions. Currently, the National Grain Corporation, when purchasing grain from agricultural producers with VAT, faces the inability to refund this tax upon export. This puts the national grain operator at a disadvantage compared to private traders who can refund VAT when exporting. A VAT refund on exported grain will allow the Corporation to reduce its financial obligations and improve its competitive position. The government is already considering changes to the new Tax Code to address this issue.

 

These proposed support measures aim to create more equitable conditions for Kazakh exporters, especially in the agricultural sector, and contribute to the development of high-tech industries. These changes will strengthen the position of Kazakh products in international markets and enhance the competitiveness of national enterprises.