To foster stronger economic ties and enhance mutual trade turnover, the Ministers of Agriculture from Turkic nations convened in Istanbul for discussions under the auspices of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan reported. The meeting, presided over by Aidarbek Saparov, Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture, saw deliberations on various strategies aimed at bolstering agricultural trade among member states.
A highlight of the gathering was the bilateral discussions held between Saparov and his counterparts from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, focusing on key initiatives to facilitate smoother trade relations and address existing challenges.
Emphasizing the urgency of resolving impediments hindering trade development, Saparov advocated for the establishment of a dedicated working group comprising deputy ministers of agriculture. This, he believes, will expedite the resolution of pertinent issues and streamline trade processes within the OTS framework.
In discussions with the Turkish delegation, Saparov explored avenues to enhance the export of Kazakh meat products to Turkey while advocating for the harmonization of veterinary and phytosanitary standards across OTS countries. Proposing innovative solutions to access the Turkish market, both sides committed to further dialogue, with a follow-up meeting scheduled via ZOOM, followed by a delegation visit to Ankara.
Saparov's dialogue with Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture centered on the implementation of the bilateral Road Map signed during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Tashkent in 2022. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to joint agricultural projects, including crop cultivation in Kazakhstan's northern regions, and discussed the potential establishment of "Green Trade Zones" along border regions to facilitate free trade in agricultural products.
Meanwhile, discussions with Kyrgyzstan's delegation focused on strategies to boost mutual agricultural trade. Saparov proposed leveraging Kazakhstan's Food Corporation to supply grain and flour to Kyrgyzstan while expressing interest in importing various food products from Kyrgyzstan.
In talks with Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture, Saparov explored optimal routes for the supply of Kazakh grain and flour to Azerbaijan. Both sides expressed eagerness to collaborate on irrigation systems and agricultural product storage projects. Azerbaijan pledged to dispatch a team of specialists to study Kazakh legislation and inspect regions for potential joint ventures, with an agreement to exchange information on existing state support measures.
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