Belarus-Kazakhstan trade in farm produce up 10 times over three years
2013-08-30 10:37:56
The trade in agricultural products between Belarus and Kazakhstan soared more than 10 times over the past three years. The information was voiced at the 10th session of the Belarus-Kazakhstan intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation that is taking place in Grodno, BelTA has learnt.
Agriculture is among the most important cooperation avenues between Kazakhstan and Belarus. According to the Kazakhstan Customs Control Committee, the bilateral trade in agricultural produce has been expanding year to year. In 2010 it was estimated at $3.32 million, in 2011 it stood at $13.733 million, and in 2012 it amounted to $32.842 million.
In January-June 2013, companies affiliated with the Agriculture and Food Ministry of Belarus exported $49.8 million worth of products to Kazakhstan and imported $1.8 million in food produce from this country.
The two countries are running an array of joint projects. One of them is a project on crop variety testing. Kazakhstan tests 180 varieties of 30 crops received from Belarus.
Some more promising projects are in the pipeline. One of them is creation of a multi-industry experimental agricultural company in Kazakhstan that will use the best agricultural solutions developed by Belarus. Now the two countries are mulling over the form of this enterprise.
According to co-chairman of the commission, Deputy Premier of Belarus Mikhail Rusy, the two countries might start from the construction of a dairy farm. Belarus will provide the cattle for this farm as well as the most efficient technologies. Later the farm might transform into a closed-cycle enterprise.
A joint venture to produce meat products might be established in Astana by Beryoza Meat Preserves Factory. The same will be done by domestic dairy producers.
There are plans to set up a fish processing joint venture in Kazakhstan together with the Belarusian company Santa Bremor. In September Santa Bremor representatives will go to Astana to discuss the matter in greater detail.
The two countries collaborate in the field of agricultural training. Students from Kazakhstan come to Belarus for higher education and internships.
Representatives of Kazakhstani regions said at the session that they would like to promote all-round cooperation with Belarus in the agribusiness. This pertains to grain and wool processing, construction of vegetable storages and greenhouses, etc.