Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu, who arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum.

The meeting reviewed the progress of agreements reached during high-level talks in 2024 and discussed current issues and future plans under the Kazakhstan–FAO Partnership Program.

The parties focused on the prospects for deepening cooperation in agri-processing and boosting exports of high value-added agricultural products.

The Prime Minister emphasized that agriculture is one of the key sectors of the national economy. Kazakhstan exports agricultural products to 80 countries and ranks 32nd out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index.

“Our efforts to develop the sector are delivering results: last year we recorded a 13.7% increase in gross agricultural output. In the coming years, Kazakhstan intends to actively develop agri-processing and increase the share of high value-added products to 70%. We plan to construct new and modernize existing processing facilities. Over the next three years, we aim to implement more than 600 investment projects in the agri-food sector totaling over $4.8 billion,” Olzhas Bektenov stated. Kazakhstan is also interested in exchanging advanced agro-technologies and promoting scientific approaches to production.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu praised Kazakhstan’s potential and expressed confidence in further strengthening cooperation.

“With vast land resources, rich agrobiodiversity, and a strategic location in the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan has tremendous potential to become a global leader in sustainable agriculture. As the ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan has all the means and ambition to transform its agri-food systems into a driving force for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. FAO is proud of its strong partnership with Kazakhstan and remains committed to supporting the country in achieving food security, introducing innovation, and advancing sustainable solutions for future generations,” Qu Dongyu said.

One of the key areas of cooperation is the introduction of digital solutions in the agricultural sector. Kazakhstan has launched the development of an AI-based geoinformation system and the unified digital platform FitoSpace to combat and prevent the spread of migratory locusts. This service is expected to enhance monitoring accuracy, minimize pesticide use, and reduce environmental risks, contributing to more efficient agriculture and stronger phytosanitary control.

The parties also highlighted the need to further develop the veterinary system and biosafety. Prospects for strengthening collaboration on sustainable water resource management were discussed. Kazakhstan has initiated research on creating a separate Kazakhstan–FAO Partnership Program for water resource management.

Additionally, both sides stressed the importance of joint efforts to combat land degradation and desertification. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with FAO on initiatives particularly relevant for the seven regions of the country affected by drought and dust storms.

Overall, FAO’s activities in Kazakhstan include support for the development of national strategic documents for the country’s agro-industrial sector. Currently, FAO’s project portfolio in Kazakhstan comprises more than 55 initiatives, including 33 completed projects and 22 ongoing ones.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Agroindustrial complex #International Cooperation

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