Saudi Arabia is Interested in Investing in Kazakhstan's Agro-Industrial Complex
In Astana, the Kazakh-Saudi Extended Roundtable took place, with the participation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erbol Karashukeev, and the Minister of Environment, Water Resources, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Alfadley. The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture with the support of "NC "KAZAKH INVEST" JSC and the AIFC, gathered more than 30 representatives from the governmental bodies and private sectors of both countries.
During the meeting, the ministers of Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of agriculture as a strategic economic sector for both countries, expressing readiness to promote the development of the agro-industrial complex through the implementation of joint investment projects. Special attention was given to collaboration in the processing of livestock and plant products, as well as the development of agricultural infrastructure and the adoption of new technologies.
In his presentation, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erbol Karashukeev, noted Kazakhstan's readiness to expand relations, considering the two countries' shared aim of ensuring food security. The head of the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture proposed establishing a joint center for halal product quality certification in Kazakhstan to increase the trade of agricultural products between the countries.
The Minister of Environment, Water Resources, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Alfadley, supported his colleague's proposal for the certification center and also highlighted that Saudi companies are highly interested in implementing joint investment projects in Kazakhstan.
In confirmation of the Saudi minister's words, the CEO of one of the largest agricultural companies in Saudi Arabia, "SALIC", Sulaiman Alrumaih, expressed interest in opening a meat production facility in Kazakhstan. He mentioned that "SALIC" has already executed more than 10 similar projects in Saudi Arabia and is prepared to apply this experience in Kazakhstan.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of KAZAKH INVEST, Zhandos Temirgali, noted that the investment portfolio of Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia currently consists of 12 projects totaling over $1 billion. According to him, the countries possess a high potential for project implementation in the agro-industrial complex sector.
The forum also featured speeches by the Governor of the "Astana" International Financial Center Renat Bekturov, and the Deputy Chairman of JSC "NMH "Baiterek" Galym Usen, who discussed the activities of their organizations.
In conclusion, the ministers highlighted that this Roundtable has become an important step in the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia in the field of agriculture.
