Kazakhstan Sets USD 1 Billion Oilseed Export Target for 2028

The roadmap was developed using the processes, methodology, and technical assistance of the International Trade Centre (ITC), with the participation of the National Association of Oilseed Processors and “QazTrade” Center for Development of Trade Policy JSC (QazTrade), as part of the ‘Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor’ project, funded by the European Union. It aims to implement the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to increase the share of processing to 70%, reduce import dependence, develop exports of finished products, and stabilise domestic prices.

The Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, Dr. Johannes Baur, noted: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone. Over the past year, Kazakhstan’s institutions, the private sector, and ITC experts conducted sector diagnostics, a company survey and several rounds of consultations, resulting in a joint and well-founded Roadmap that we are validating today. This Roadmap is first and foremost a national document — developed, shaped and owned by Kazakhstan, with the European Union proud to have supported the process alongside ITC”.

The document outlines a set of measures for the development of the industry over the next three years: eliminating raw material shortages, introducing agricultural technologies, resolving logistical issues, developing infrastructure, and creating favourable conditions for farmers and processors through financial instruments. Particular attention is given to the accelerated diversification of cultivated areas and the development of infrastructure for the reception and storage of oilseeds for agricultural producers, as one of the key factors in achieving the goal.

Currently, the domestic oil and fat industry is on the verge of major changes and has enormous potential. Kazakhstan is actively strengthening its position in the global agri-food market – the country is among the top 10 global exporters of sunflower oil and among the top 3 suppliers of sunflower meal to the European Union. At the same time, Kazakh oil and fat products are supplied to more than 20 countries worldwide.

Representatives of government agencies (the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, QazTrade, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" JSC, “Baiterek” NMH” JSC and others), businesses (National Oilseed Processors Association, ‘Association of Seed Growers of Kazakhstan’ ALE), as well as international partners - representatives of the European Union and the International Trade Centre - took part in the development of the Roadmap for the Export of Kazakhstan Oil and Fat Products.

Following the round table, it is planned to create a public-private platform to implement the measures set out in the roadmap.

NOTES FOR THE EDITOR
About Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (2024-2028)
This four-year technical assistance project funded by the European Union (EU) aims to advance the EU-Central Asia connectivity agenda through increasing the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and internationalisation of Central Asian business. This will be achieved through simplifying cross-border formalities to attract trade and sustainable investment; improving regional coordination to foster trade and transport connectivity; and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate their access to regional and EU markets, including through leveraging the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
About the International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org.
About the European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.