Kazakhstan is set to increase
meat exports to China, with three domestic companies preparing to begin beef
exports under agreements worth $75 million. Notably, China ranks among
Kazakhstan’s top three agricultural trade partners. Last year alone,
agricultural trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.3 billion,
marking a 67 percent increase compared to 2022. The volume of Kazakhstan’s
agricultural exports to China doubled, reaching $1 billion. While grains and
oilseeds are the primary exports, plans are in place to boost export volumes
with livestock products.
«Work began in 2019, before the coronavirus
pandemic. We had consistent exports and shipments, with regular
customers. We primarily export frozen beef, and Kazakhstan also has advantages
in exporting chilled beef. A notable aspect is the export of by-products, which
generate revenue comparable to that from whole cuts of meat, aligning with our
goals. There is also significant potential in horse meat. Kazakhstan has
already conducted negotiations with the EU and is working on establishing a
Eurasian zone for horse meat supply. The interested countries are France,
Belgium, and Italy, with Japan also currently open for consideration,» said
Askar Zhubatyrov, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Meat Union.
The list of domestic suppliers for
international markets will also be expanded. Work is underway to broaden
the range of exported products, with 10 additional types of agricultural
products currently under development.