Kazakhstan is broadening its grain export
markets, planning to deliver approximately two million tons to Western Europe
and North Africa. A similar volume is set for export to China, Iran, and
Afghanistan. Central Asian countries remain key importers. According to the
agreement, Kazakhstan will supply about 250,000 tons monthly to the region. In
the first two months of autumn alone, two million tons of grain were exported
in total. This year, the country’s grain export potential stands at 12 million
tons.
«In general, we plan to export about 5-6
million tons of grain to the markets of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan
in the near future. We plan to send 3.5 million tons to Uzbekistan, one million
tons to Tajikistan, and 500,000 tons to the Kyrgyz Republic. These countries
are our main destinations,» said Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.
«Last year, the yields and quality of our
grain were lower than this year. Our production cost was higher, while the
price of Russian grain was much lower than ours. This year, we are already able
to compete with that country and sell our products at a lower price. Therefore,
we are gradually entering the markets of Iran and Egypt. Our plans include
expanding into the markets of the Persian Gulf countries,» noted Kazakh
Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov.
