Kazakhstan intends to increase exports of agricultural products to EUThe government of Kazakhstan intends to increase the export of domestic agricultural products to EU countries, the government press service reported.According to the press service, Prime Minister of the Republic Olzhas Bektenov discussed the issues of expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and the countries of the European Union in the agricultural- food sector with the European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski.“The meeting participants noted the special importance of food security. Measures to increase food exports to the EU market were considered, as well as issues of creating joint projects for the production and processing of agricultural products,” the message says.Kazakhstan and the EU countries will continue the policy of raising quality standards for agricultural products and supporting farmers.“The agro-industrial complex is one of the most important sectors of our economy. Taking into account our country’s potential in the production of high-quality and environmentally friendly organic agricultural products, as well as growing demand from the European side, we need to intensify work to expand the range of exports of Kazakhstani goods to the European market,” Bektenov is quoted as saying.For his part, Wojciechowski confirmed the intention of the EU countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation.During the conversation, attention was also paid to measures to eliminate existing barriers to mutual trade and harmonize legislation.The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the European Union. EU countries account for more than 40% of attracted investments and about 30% of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade.Over the year, trade volume increased by 3.5% and reached $41.4 billion, of which $31 billion came from Kazakh exports. The mutual trade in agricultural products increased by 13.4%.The main export goods of Kazakh producers to EU countries are wheat, flax seeds, rapeseed, processed grain crops and other categories. Work is underway to increase the share of exports of highly processed products. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX