Kazakhstan Plans to Multiply Barley Exports to Iran: Details of High-Level Talks

Kazakhstan is ready to significantly increase supplies of grain crops to the Iranian market. Expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and developing transport and logistics routes became key topics during negotiations between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived on an official visit.

 

During the meeting, the Kazakh leader identified agriculture as one of the priority drivers of bilateral trade. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the republic has already firmly established itself as a reliable grain supplier to Iran.

 

According to the figures presented, exports of Kazakh barley to Iran exceeded 500,000 tonnes by the end of last year. The President emphasized that current production capacities make it possible to increase this figure several times over.

 

Statistics indicate steady growth in mutual trade: over the past ten months, trade turnover increased by 40% compared to the same period last year.

 

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that, in the short term, Kazakhstan is ready to ensure supplies of goods worth at least USD 200 million. A strategic target set for both countries is to raise bilateral trade turnover to USD 3 billion.

 

To support business initiatives, the President of Kazakhstan endorsed the idea of opening a Kazakhstan Trade House in Tehran. It is expected that revitalizing the Business Council and leveraging the resources of the joint chamber of commerce and industry will facilitate agribusiness access to partner markets.

 

Special attention during the talks was paid to infrastructure support for agricultural exports. The Head of State highlighted the critical importance of developing the international North–South transport corridor, particularly the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway route.

 

Given that around 85% of overland transit along the China–Europe route already passes through Kazakhstan, integrating the Iranian direction opens up new opportunities. Kazakhstan has already begun modernizing its railway network and developing port infrastructure on the Caspian Sea, inviting Iranian investors to participate in these projects. For Kazakh exporters, Iran is viewed as a strategic hub for accessing markets in Southeast Asia and Africa.

 

In addition to raw material trade, the parties intend to develop industrial cooperation. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev supported an initiative by Iranian businesses to establish a joint Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Mangystau region.

 

The new site is expected to be used for processing Iranian raw materials in Kazakhstan, followed by re-export of finished products to third countries. Strengthening direct ties between regions of Kazakhstan and provinces of Iran was also noted, which is expected to contribute to the development of regional cooperation.