ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to invest $4.8 billion in over 600 agro-industrial projects over the next three years, aiming to boost the sector’s growth and sustainability.
A key partner in this initiative is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which plays a vital role in supporting Kazakhstan’s agricultural goals. This was emphasized by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during a meeting on March 5 with Viorel Gutu, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia.
The discussion centered on implementing agreements between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, with a focus on joint projects under the Kazakhstan-FAO Partnership Program. Currently, this program includes 55 ongoing initiatives across the country.
Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted Kazakhstan’s goal to enhance agricultural processing and increase the share of high-value-added products to 70% within the next three years. He also noted Kazakhstan’s leadership in grain and oilseed production and export within Central Asia.
As of today, Kazakhstan ranks 32nd out of 113 countries in the global food security index, with domestic agricultural products being exported to 80 nations. The country saw a 13.7% growth in gross output last year, thanks to ongoing support for the agro-industrial complex.
Gutu emphasized Kazakhstan’s vast agricultural potential and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in key areas, such as food security, digitalization of agribusiness, and sustainable resource management, all of which are crucial for developing rural areas.
The officials also touched on efforts to modernize Kazakhstan’s water sector, which includes large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at improving irrigation and water management.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of joint initiatives and the long-term sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial and water sectors.