Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held a meeting with Chairman of the Board of Anadolu Group Kamil Suleyman Yazici.

Opening the meeting, Serik Zhumangarin noted that the protection of investors’ rights, stability, and predictability of economic policy remain unchanged priorities of the Government of Kazakhstan. He thanked Anadolu Group for its contribution to the development of the manufacturing industry and the food sector.

“Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with international companies. On the instruction of the Head of State, the government is consistently working to create a favorable investment climate, protect investors’ rights, and ensure stable conditions for doing business,” Serik Zhumangarin emphasized.

Representatives of Anadolu Group noted that Kazakhstan is the company’s second most important market after Turkey. A new investment project is currently being implemented. The possibility of creating an export hub in Kazakhstan for supplying products to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asia is also being considered.

The parties discussed the further development of production in Kazakhstan, including issues of improving excise policy regarding certain types of alcoholic products, the development of the digital product labeling system, and the prospects for introducing a tax on sugar-containing beverages. Serik Zhumangarin noted that the postponement of the digital labeling implementation deadlines was adopted taking into account the opinion of large producers and will give them time to prepare in a timely manner for the new requirements.

The parties paid special attention to the prospects of expanding the export potential of Kazakhstani enterprises. Representatives of Anadolu Group proposed considering the possibility of producing beer products in PET packaging exclusively for export to countries where this format is in high demand. The Vice Prime Minister reported that this issue is already being worked out. At the same time, possible changes to national legislation will be considered only on the condition that such products are intended exclusively for external markets.

Discussing the initiative to introduce a tax on sugar-containing beverages in Kazakhstan, the Vice Prime Minister noted that this issue is being considered taking into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization and is at the discussion stage within the framework of the Healthcare Development Concept. The Government is open to further dialogue with business on this issue.

During the meeting, Serik Zhumangarin also spoke about the implementation of projects for the development of the domestic sugar industry. In particular, about the creation of a large sugar cluster in Zhambyl Region, which will make it possible in the coming years to significantly increase sugar production and provide processing enterprises with domestic raw materials.

Summing up the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding cooperation. Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the importance of involving Kazakhstani small and medium-sized enterprises in the production chains of large international investors, including in the fields of packaging, logistics, and transport, and confirmed the Government’s readiness to provide Anadolu Group with the necessary assistance in implementing existing and new investment projects.

For reference: Anadolu Group has been operating in Kazakhstan since 1994. Beverage production was launched in 1997. Today, the group is represented by the enterprises of JSC IP “Efes Kazakhstan” and LLP JV “Coca-Cola Almaty Bottlers.” Over the years of operation, about $1 billion has been invested in the country’s economy, and five production sites have been created. Since 2013, 360 billion tenge in taxes have been paid and over 10 thousand direct and indirect jobs have been provided.

#International Cooperation #Investments #Serik Zhumangarin

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