Kazakhstan’s national investment promotion agency, Kazakh Invest, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Polpharma Group, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The agreement marks the launch of a €55 million investment project in Kazakhstan by SANTO, a member of the Polpharma Group.
The memorandum was signed by Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Invest’s Management Board, and Markus Sieger, CEO of Polpharma Group.
Over the next decade, the project is expected to create approximately 300 jobs and significantly increase domestic pharmaceutical production, particularly for medications targeting socially significant diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
The initiative includes the introduction of new manufacturing lines, expanded R&D investment, and the development of training programs in line with international standards.
This strategic partnership supports Kazakhstan’s national goal of increasing local pharmaceutical production to 50% of domestic demand. It also aims to position the country as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.
“We are aware that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a clear objective to boost local pharmaceutical output to 50%, and we fully support this vision,” said Markus Sieger. “The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vital importance of resilient, domestic supply chains. Our goal is not only to strengthen production in Kazakhstan but to transform the country into an export hub for large regional markets.”
SANTO currently holds six Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates and has successfully passed inspections by the European Union. The company is now anticipating certification under EU GMP standards, which would provide access to EU markets for both the company and Kazakhstan’s broader pharmaceutical sector.
Polpharma Group continues to expand its footprint in Central Asia. In 2024, 12% of the company’s global sales came from the region, a figure that is expected to grow further.
The development of a pharmaceutical hub in Kazakhstan will enhance the country’s position in both domestic and international markets. These new investments, along with the expected GMP EU certification, are set to strengthen Kazakhstan’s global pharmaceutical competitiveness, reduce reliance on imports, and improve national pharmaceutical security.
