To date, exports of agricultural products from Kazakhstan to China have increased by approximately 73%. The countries plan to further develop cooperation.
The volume of agricultural exports increased by 73% if we compare the figures for January-August of this year with the same period of the previous year.
Today, 1,630 crop-growing enterprises and about 85 livestock enterprises supply their products to China.
The total trade turnover between the countries during this time amounted to $800 million.
“The main agricultural export products are: flax seeds, wheat, barley, sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, processing waste of cereals or legumes, seeds and fruits of other oilseeds, rapeseed oil, animal feed products and tobacco raw materials,” noted the head of the Ministry of Agriculture Kazakhstan Aidarbek Saparov.
What are the prospects for further cooperation?
Kazakhstan considers China as its largest and most promising sales market. This is not surprising, given the presence of a common border and the highest volumes of consumption in China.
However, an important obstacle to increasing export volumes is passing inspections for compliance with safety requirements for Kazakh agricultural products.
In the near future, Chinese specialists are planning a visit to Kazakh agricultural enterprises in order to assess the extent to which these requirements are met.
In particular, we are talking about taking measures to prevent the spread of animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease and bird flu.
If the verification is successful, the Chinese market may open to the supply of an even wider range of products from Kazakhstan.
In general, China has quite serious requirements for the safety of livestock products. For example, Russia recently received a similar permit, which will allow it to supply more meat to the Chinese market.
At the same time, cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in the agricultural sector is not limited solely to exports.
For example, joint projects are being planned, within the framework of which China is going to invest significant sums in joint ventures, currently we are talking about $426 million. At the same time, several projects are already at the implementation stage.
Now Kazakhstan already imports flax, barley, corn, and also feed to China.
If compliance with phytosanitary standards can be agreed upon, then Chinese borders may soon open to the export of potatoes, milk and meat. In addition, live cattle from Kazakhstan will be able to be sent to China.
