The Head of the Ministry of Agriculture told about investment advantages of the Kazakhstan agrarian sector
The agro-industrial sector of Kazakhstan is a perspective platform for attraction of foreign investments. Today, within the framework of a round table “Agroindustry: ensuring food security on the new Silk way”, Umirzak Shukeyev, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture told about the key advantages of investing in the agrarian and industrial complex of Kazakhstan.
Firstly, it’s the availability of natural pastures - 180 million hectares, the current load for which makes up only 25-30 %. Thus, there are water resources for irrigation in addition two million hectares for stable cultivation of fodder in the crop rotation system.
Secondly, it’s the availability of labour forces, because 45 % of the population of Kazakhstan lives in rural areas.
Thirdly, to support investment activities, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed a special tax and customs regime, including exemption from the corporate tax for 10 years, exemption from payment of the property tax during 8 years, exemption from the customs duties on imported equipment and raw materials.
Fourthly, special mention should be made of the possibility of producing organic products which have the increased cost and are in demand in the world markets. This very advantage results from, first of all, the historically low level of use of mineral fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on our lands.
«We have adopted the regulatory and legal framework for creation in Kazakhstan a full system of organic production - the law and all by-laws have been developed, now the work is underway to create a certification system, as well as training of farmers», - Umirzak Shukeyev said.
And fifthly, the state support.
The Deputy Prime Minister reminded that Kazakhstan has developed the state program of agroindustrial complex development of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2017-2021, which mechanisms are available both for Kazakhstan, and foreign investors.
«In addition to the State program of Agrarian and Industrial Complex, a number of other state programs are being implemented in Kazakhstan aimed at infrastructural development of projects, including the program «Business Road Map - 2020», the state program of infrastructural development Nurly Zhol, as well as the program of Innovative Industrial Development which basic purpose is to create new export-oriented hi-tech industries», - the head of the Ministry of Agriculture said.
Sixthly, he continued, these are export opportunities for investors.
«Kazakhstan is in the heart of Eurasia, between Europe and China. Owing to its location, a number of large infrastructural projects are being developed in Kazakhstan: the dry Horgos Port on the border with China, the Aktau Port on the Caspian Sea, the International Transit Corridor “Western Europe - Western China”. Moreover, Kazakhstan’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union with a market capacity of about 180 million persons opens additional opportunities for investors for effective implementation of investment projects in the territory of the Republic. Investors can freely promote their products to the markets of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia», - Umirzak Shukeyevsaid concluded.
For reference:
The Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) is exclusive gathering of representatives who have arrived by invitation, approximately from almost 600 organizations, namely, a meeting of international and Kazakhstan commercial and financial top executives, investors, leaders of opinions and representatives of international mass-media. This forum is convened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev, with participation of key governmental officials responsible for issues of economic development.