MINSK, 11 November (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in becoming Kazakhstan's partner for the sake of development of agribusiness. Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko made the statement as he met with Kazakh Agriculture Minister Yerbol Karashukeyev, BelTA has learned.
Roman Golovchenko said: “During intergovernmental negotiations and consultations we singled out agriculture as one of the most promising spheres for stepping up Belarus-Kazakhstan interaction. First, it is important for ensuring food security of the countries. Second, there is a huge, not fully explored potential for cooperation.”
The official stressed that Kazakhstan is a priority partner for Belarus in agriculture. “Our trade turnover in this sphere virtually quadrupled over the course of five years. But the prime minister of Kazakhstan and I have agreed that we have to go deeper. We would be glad to become a key partner of Kazakhstan in matters concerning the development of agricultural output. Moreover, your country has good resources, a large potential, and a good export platform for shipping your own products to Asian-Pacific region countries,” the Belarusian prime minister noted.
Roman Golovchenko went on saying: “When I visited Kazakhstan in June, we agreed that a pilot project involving deeper scientific and manufacturing cooperation may be implemented in the sphere of animal husbandry. We discussed prospects of turn-key construction of a dairy farm in Kazakhstan using Belarusian technologies and Belarusian pedigree cattle. The establishment of a joint venture to make veterinary drugs and crop variety testing possibilities are also under consideration. Garden planting may be organized as well. Prospects of interaction in agrarian education and science also look good.”
In 2020 Belarus' export of agricultural products and food to Kazakhstan totaled $271.9 million, 12.6% up. In January-September 2021 agricultural export totaled $219.7 million, 107.1% as against January-September 2020. Belarus' traditional exports to Kazakhstan include meat and dairy products, pedigree products, sugar. Belarus imports cotton fiber, vegetables, melons and gourds from Kazakhstan.
