Kazakhstan & Hungary cooperation will help us to change the situation in processing of agricultural products – Head of KazAgro

In an interview with our correspondent chairman of "KazAgro" National Holding" JSC Dulat Aitzhanov spoke about the plans for the development of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex, in particular, processing of agricultural products introducing the experience of Hungary. - During Karim Massimov's visit to Hungary there were announced intentions of the two countries to develop cooperation in the sphere of agricultural production. In what areas? - As you know, KazAgro has set the task to develop the food industry. Hungary is the country with the developed agricultural sector. Hungarian products - various canned food, especially fruits and vegetables, even in Soviet times were popular and highly appreciated. Therefore, we want to cooperate with Hungary in the area of agricultural products' processing. - Have you discussed the issues of collaboration with the Hungarian businessmen? - Yes, I have. In March of the current year Budapest hosted the Hungarian-Kazakh business forum organized by the Hungarian Agency for Investment and Trade. We made a presentation, which was attended by 50 Hungarian companies working in the field of agriculture. These companies involved in the production and processing of food products, the production of animal feed compound, dairy enterprises and the companies producing agricultural machinery. - Why "KazAgro" holding is interested in attracting Hungarian companies? - Hungarian products are of high quality, which comply with the international standards. In Kazakhstan's market we mostly have canned fruits and vegetables produced in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Although, there are few companies in Kazakhstan processing agricultural products - Turgenskiy plant and several enterprises in the South Kazakhstan region. Moreover, Hungarian companies are willing to invest in Kazakhstan. In addition, they are going to help us in the production of raw materials to match high international standards. - Why the Hungarian companies are so keen to invest in Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex? - We have favorable investment climate which has been discussed at a meeting of our Prime Minister and the Head of the Hungarian Government. - Do you have any definite plans to establish joint ventures? - Yes, we do. In July we are planning to sign a memorandum on the construction of a plant for processing fruits and vegetables. Hungarian companies want to construct a base plant in Karaganda region, closer to Astana. - Thank you for the interview.