Today, Kazakhstan remains a key gateway for EU food and beverage producers seeking to enter the Central Asian market. Indeed, Kazakhstan is itself an important destination for EU agricultural exports, worth €702 million in 2023. Kazakhstan is also the first Central Asian partner to have concluded an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the EU, governing trade and economic relations, and providing the basis for our ongoing negotiations for a Protocol on the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirits.

Kazakhstani consumers show increasing interest and appreciation for exploring new and diverse culinary tastes. I am confident that the European Union more than meets the high expectations of Kazakhstani consumers through the quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability of our products.

The companies and organisations accompanying me on this mission represent many of our most renowned products, with exciting potential to boost the EU’s agrifood trade with the Republic of Kazakhstan. Therefore, in addition to my political meetings, an important aspect of my mission will be to tap into this growth potential, by strengthening and further promoting trade in agri-food products and facilitating networking between European and Kazakh businesses active in the agri-food sector.

This High-Level Mission is a strong signal of our intention to further strengthen our partnership and our bilateral trade in agri-food products with Kazakhstan. I look forward to promoting our products, facilitating stronger business links, and forging closer connections in agriculture.