The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Discussed Agricultural Cooperation and Export Expansion with a Dutch Delegation

On April 9, 2026, a working meeting was held in Astana with the participation of Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, and an official delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Dutch delegation included Lianne Kersbergen, Deputy Chief Phytosanitary Inspector of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands, as well as Jeroen Kavelars, Senior Expert on Plant Health and Phytosanitary Control at the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Representatives of Kazakh Invest and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with a focus on the agro-industrial sector, phytosanitary regulation, and the development of agricultural exports.

As part of the negotiations, particular attention was paid to the following key issues:
— expansion of mutual trade in agricultural products, including the export of meat and processed goods, as well as the development of livestock farming, including the potential of the Ulytau region;
— introduction of advanced Dutch technologies in greenhouse farming and agricultural production;
— establishment of high-tech processing industries, including a wool processing project with a closed production cycle;
— reduction of barriers to entering the European Union market, including adaptation to GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP standards, development of laboratory infrastructure, and enhanced support for exporters;
— development of human capital, including training and internships for Kazakhstani specialists in the Netherlands, as well as expanded cooperation with educational institutions;
— establishment of a sustainable business dialogue, including through the organization of business missions and the development of digital B2B platforms.

The role of Kazakhstan as a regional hub for food security and transit trade was also highlighted, driven by its advantageous geographical location and significant agricultural potential.

In his remarks, Murat Karimsakov emphasized: "Our countries already have a solid trade foundation; however, the structure of exports requires diversification. Our task is to increase the supply of high value-added products, including agricultural goods, and to expand practical cooperation in the agro-industrial sector and phytosanitary regulation."

The meeting also featured a presentation on the activities of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken” as a key institution for business support. Currently, more than 1,600 projects with a total value of approximately USD 120 billion are registered on the National Digital Investment Platform “Here and Now,” reflecting Kazakhstan’s strong investment potential and growing interest from international partners.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation, expanding investment engagement, and implementing joint projects in the agro-industrial sector.