Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China reached $1.3bn by the end of 2023, almost doubling its previous volume, the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan reported.
At the 9th meeting helmed by Kazakhstan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Agriculture convened to discuss the advancement of trade relations in agricultural products. Proposals were tabled to fortify multilateral cooperation, extending to realms such as agricultural science, information technology, food security, and climate change.
Kazakhstan, as the hosting nation, emphasized the role of SCO partners as both markets and suppliers of agricultural goods. China stressed that by the end of 2023, its trade turnover with SCO nations soared to $19bn, doubling since the inception of the ministerial meetings in 2010.
This surge is mirrored in the bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China, reaching $1.3bn, nearly doubling its prior volume. Similarly, Tajikistan's trade with SCO countries constitutes 90% of its agricultural trade, while for Russia, a third of its agricultural exports target SCO markets.
In his address, Aidarbek Saparov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, elucidated the shifting dynamics within supply chains, leading to increased competition among SCO member nations in shared markets. He accentuated Kazakhstan's focus on augmenting the efficiency of its grain industry and diversifying into feed production, identifying it as a potential niche, particularly with prospects in foreign markets like Iran, which demands substantial quantities of feed barley for animal husbandry.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan proposed an information exchange mechanism for key agricultural products to synchronize production and trade plans and facilitate rapid responses during periods of heightened demand. Minister Saparov advocated for expediting the elimination of existing trade barriers, especially concerning livestock products.
Logistics infrastructure emerged as a crucial factor in trade development, as noted by several participants. Addressing this, SCO Deputy Secretary-General John Kane highlighted the imperative of bolstering transport and logistics infrastructure for the seamless operation of food markets within the SCO space, with Central Asian countries playing a pivotal role.
The Cooperation Program in Breeding and Seed Production among SCO Member States was ratified following the meeting. This program aims to foster cooperation between authorities in selection and seed production, facilitate joint scientific research and technology exchange, and disseminate information on legal regulations in these domains.
To operationalize these goals, Minister Saparov proposed hosting a seminar for breeders at a premier research institute in Kazakhstan to ascertain countries’ interests and needs in genetic material. Kazakhstan expressed its interest in acquiring vegetable and rice seeds optimized for water conservation.
The meeting participants commended Kazakhstan’s stewardship in organizing the meeting and shaping the breeding and seed production program. The 10th meeting of SCO agriculture ministers is slated to be chaired by the People's Republic of China.
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