Export - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 21

Kazakhstan Calls for Investigation into Rare Earth Metals Exports

Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, has urged authorities to investigate subsoil users over alleged uncontrolled exports of rare earth metals. Parliamentary Inquiry Peruashev outlined his concerns in a parliamentary request addressed to Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Service chief Askhat Zhumagali and Minister of Industry Ersaiyn Nagaspayev. "Social media posts by former Kazakhmys laboratory assistant Bakyt Adilova allege that the corporation exports ore and copper concentrate without conducting chemical analysis, concealing the presence of valuable and rare earth metals. She claims the company artificially devalues exported resources, harming the national economy to benefit oligarchs," Peruashev stated. He also cited an interview with geologist Bakyt Muratov on Elmedia, in which the expert criticized the absence of laboratory analysis in ore and concentrate exports. Muratov noted that for decades, major mining companies have shipped raw materials abroad for processing, leaving Kazakhstan unaware of the true value of its exports. "We still do not know exactly what we are selling. Complex ores are being exported without proper analysis. No one knows the vast sums of money that have left the country and returned as finished products," Muratov said. The Ak Zhol parliamentary faction is demanding official confirmation or denial of these claims. Lawmakers insist that authorities either prosecute those spreading false information or launch an anti-corruption investigation. Additionally, the party is calling for tighter government oversight of mineral exports. "Kazakhstan holds significant reserves of rare earth metals, including lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, strategic elements crucial for high-tech industries. Rare earth metals are emerging as the 'new oil' in the global economy, with their availability increasingly influencing global power dynamics. Experts estimate that demand for some of these metals could grow up to 40-fold in the coming years," Peruashev concluded. Response from Kazakhmys In response, Kazakhmys Corporation stated that it does not engage in targeted mining of rare earth metals. However, the company acknowledged that small amounts of rare metals are recovered during acid washing processes. The corporation explained that production waste is processed at Zhezkazganredmet, a state-owned enterprise specializing in the separation and refining of rare metals. Waste from precious metal production is handled by Kazakhmys Progress LLP, which is responsible for refining. “All company operations are strictly regulated by the relevant authorities. We fully support stronger state oversight of mineral exports and are open to dialogue with government agencies. Allegations of concealing rare earth metals or artificially lowering the value of exported raw materials are baseless and do not reflect reality,” Kazakhmys said in a statement. Kazakhmys and the Broader Rare Earth Metals Landscape Kazakhmys was established as a joint stock company in August 1997 and re-registered as a limited liability partnership in January 2005. The company specializes in mining and processing copper ore into cathodes and rods, refining and selling precious metals, and managing by-products from copper production. Kazakhmys ranks as the world’s 20th largest producer of copper in concentrate (271 ktpa) and 12th largest producer of blister and cathode copper (377 ktpa and 365 ktpa, respectively). Its operations include...

Agreement Gas Supply Natural gas Export

Turkmenistan to Supply Gas to Turkey Through Swap Deal Starting March 1

Turkmenistan will begin supplying 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey on March 1 through a swap agreement, according to Oğuzhan Akyener, President of the Turkish Center for Research on Energy Strategies and Policies (TESPAM). Akyener discussed the deal in an interview with News.Az on February 24. Under the agreement, Turkmenistan will send gas to Iran, which will then transfer an equivalent amount to Turkey. Iran will consume Turkmen gas in its northeastern regions, freeing up its own supply for Turkey. Akyener noted that other potential routes for transporting Turkmen gas were considered but faced infrastructure and logistical challenges: Via Azerbaijan: This would require new pipelines from Turkmenistan to Baku and an expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCPx). Via Russia: The Western Line (Batı Hattı), which could have been used, is not operational. Through Turkey's TurkStream or Blue Stream pipelines: These remain possible alternatives, provided there is available capacity. Turkey aims to position itself as a major energy hub, Akyener explained. The country has significantly expanded its gas infrastructure, diversified its supply sources, and introduced regulations to allow the re-export of imported gas. According to TESPAM, with the right investments, Turkey could increase gas imports from: Turkmenistan – up to 65 billion cubic meters Azerbaijan – 15 billion cubic meters Kazakhstan – 10 billion cubic meters Uzbekistan – 15 billion cubic meters Iraq – 58 billion cubic meters Eastern Mediterranean – 25 billion cubic meters These developments could boost Turkey’s annual gas trade capacity to 300 billion cubic meters, further solidifying its role in global energy markets. Despite holding some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, Turkmenistan exports only about 40 billion cubic meters of gas per year, with 35-36 billion cubic meters going to China. However, Turkmenistan faces economic risks due to China’s control over pricing, leading it to seek new buyers and diversify exports. Turkmenistan is exploring options to supply gas to Europe, following Azerbaijan’s model to gain European political support. However, alternative export routes face significant challenges. One such route is the TAPI Pipeline (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India), a long-planned project that has been delayed due to political and security issues. Ongoing conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with tensions between Pakistan and India, have stalled progress. Additionally, China has been accused of using its influence to prevent the pipeline’s completion. Given these obstacles, Akyener believes Turkey remains the most realistic and viable export destination for Turkmenistan’s gas. Strengthening energy cooperation between the two nations could deepen economic and political ties among Turkic-speaking countries and further integrate them into the global energy market.

Food Export

Uzbekistan to Help Kyrgyzstan Export Nuts and Dried Fruits to Global Markets

Kyrgyzstan has secured a trade agreement with a leading Uzbek exporter of dried fruits, paving the way for systematic food exports to Europe and the Persian Gulf. Ecofruit, a major Uzbek producer and exporter of dried fruits, has expressed strong interest in Kyrgyz nuts and dried fruits, citing their high quality and ecological purity. "Among the products that can enter international markets are apricots, dried uruk, prunes, walnuts, pistachios, barberries, and white and red beans. Of particular interest were walnuts and prunes, which enjoy stable demand in foreign markets," the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy said. The Uzbek company also announced plans to open a representative office in Kyrgyzstan, signaling long-term cooperation. Kyrgyzstan is expanding its dried fruit exports, with apples accounting for the largest share of the country’s fruit and berry production. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported nearly 1,000 tons of dried apples to Germany. Other key importers include Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Japan. Sample shipments are now reaching the countries of the Persian Gulf, and South Korea. Once used primarily as an ingredient, dried apples are now marketed as snacks. Kyrgyzstan is also known for its high-quality beans, particularly from the Talas region, which is a major production and export hub. Kyrgyz beans are exported to Turkey, Russia, India, Iran, and several European countries. In 2024, exports expanded to China, with 16 Kyrgyz companies registered as official bean suppliers. Walnuts have an even wider global market and are grown primarily in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the renowned Arslanbob walnut forests, which span 42,500 hectares. At the end of 2023, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy signed agreements to export walnuts to China and Turkey. While Russia remains the primary buyer, Kyrgyz walnuts are also exported to the Middle East. With Uzbekistan’s Ecofruit expanding its presence in Kyrgyzstan, the country’s nuts and dried fruits sector is poised for stronger global market integration. The partnership could increase export volumes and create new trade routes, benefiting Kyrgyz farmers and agribusinesses.

Foreign trade turnover EAEU Export Foreign Trade GDP Government Trade

‘Made in Kyrgyzstan’ Program Aims to Boost Exports and Strengthen Global Presence

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched the National Export Program "Made in Kyrgyzstan" for 2025-2028. Coordinated by the Kyrgyz Export Center, the initiative aims to help domestic producers access international markets, enhance the country’s export potential, and establish the “Made in Kyrgyzstan” brand as a recognizable symbol abroad. Program Goals and Priorities The program focuses on increasing Kyrgyzstan’s export volumes and foreign trade revenues by strengthening the position of Kyrgyz-made goods in global markets. It prioritizes key industries, including textiles, food, jewelry, and halal products, with the goal of making Kyrgyz exports more competitive internationally. To achieve these objectives, the program will: Support local entrepreneurs by promoting participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs. Facilitate access to financing and preferential loans for exporters. Streamline bureaucratic processes to expedite export procedures. Ensure domestic products meet international quality standards and certification requirements. Additionally, the program emphasizes increasing the export of high value-added goods and diversifying Kyrgyzstan’s export portfolio to reduce its negative foreign trade balance. Foreign Trade Trends According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade turnover for January - October 2024 totaled $13.4 billion, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, the trade balance remained negative, with exports accounting for 23.3% and imports for 76.7% of the total turnover. Key highlights include: Exports: Grew by 25.2% to $3.1 billion, largely driven by gold exports, which made up 34.1% of the total. Excluding gold, exports reached $2.1 billion, an increase of 21.9%. Imports: Rose by 1.8%, amounting to $10.3 billion. Trade with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) - Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia - amounted to $4.2 billion, a 13.7% increase. Russia (71.8%) and Kazakhstan (26.4%) remained Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partners within the EAEU. Meanwhile, trade with countries outside the EAEU reached $9.2 billion during the same period. Strengthening Export Potential The "Made in Kyrgyzstan" program aspires to boost exports of diversified, high-quality products while addressing the country’s trade deficit. By empowering local businesses, improving export infrastructure, and fostering global competitiveness, the initiative represents a significant step forward for Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth and international trade ambitions.

European Union International Diplomacy Economic Cooperation International investment Export International Cooperation

Uzbekistan Proposes 10-Year Extension of Duty Free Export Benefits to the EU

On December 4-5, Uzbekistan participated for the first time in the meeting of the General Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) working group of the European Union in Brussels. The meeting included representatives from 28 EU member states and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MIIT). Uzbekistan’s delegation highlighted the progress made since becoming a GSP+ beneficiary in 2021. During this time, the country’s exports to the EU nearly tripled, reaching $1.15 billion. Of the 6,200 products eligible for duty-free export, approximately 1,100 - primarily agricultural, textile, and chemical goods - are exported regularly. To further enhance market stability and competitiveness, the delegation proposed adding new fruits and vegetables to the list of preferred goods and revising seasonal export quotas. They also recommended extending the GSP+ preferential trade regime for an additional ten years to foster long-term economic ties with the EU. During the visit, Uzbek representatives held talks with European Commission officials to improve access to Uzbek products, adjust quotas for rolling metals, and secure technical assistance to align with EU standards. These discussions mark a significant step in expanding trade and economic cooperation under the GSP+ framework.

Turkey China Agriculture Food Security Export Agricultural Export International trade Food industry

Turkey Ready to Buy Kazakh Meat at Twice the Price Offered by China

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture is actively working to open the Turkish market to Kazakh meat exports. Deputy Minister Amangaly Berdalin reported that Turkish partners are willing to pay twice as much for Kazakh beef as China. The Ministry of Agriculture has previously pursued access to the Chinese market for Kazakh livestock products. In February, Beijing lifted restrictions on Kazakh livestock imports, potentially enabling Kazakhstan’s southeastern regions to resume exports of frozen beef and pork to China. However, significant export volumes to China have yet to materialize. Maksut Baktibayev, head of the Meat Union of Kazakhstan, explained that the agreement between the countries only allows exports from four meat processing plants in Kazakhstan, with a combined capacity of 8,000 tons of frozen beef. According to Berdalin, Kazakh producers are not utilizing even this limited capacity due to uncompetitive pricing. Chinese buyers offer $5.5 per kilogram of Kazakh beef, which is comparable to prices in Kazakhstan’s domestic market, ranging from 2,700 to 3,000 tenge ($5.4 to $6.1) per kilogram. Given these figures, transporting Kazakh meat to China is economically unviable for producers. In contrast, Turkey is prepared to pay nearly double, or $11 per kilogram, for Kazakh beef. "Our ministry’s objective is to open as many markets as possible for our producers, particularly those offering attractive prices,” Berdalin stated at the Vet Astana 2024 International Exhibition on Feed and Veterinary in Astana. “That is why our inspectors are actively collaborating with Turkish officials to understand their export requirements.” Berdalin noted that while specific export volumes of Kazakh beef to Turkey are not yet determined, there is optimism following a recent diplomatic visit. In August, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov visited Ankara, where business representatives from both countries signed contracts to supply Kazakh meat to Turkey, valued at $80 million over the coming years, contingent on Kazakhstan’s successful completion of required veterinary and epidemiological procedures. The Turkish market has historically been closed to most Kazakh livestock products due to restrictions related to animal diseases, with some bans in place for approximately 20 years. Turkish authorities lifted these restrictions in June 2024. Kazakh producers are now navigating an extensive certification process to gain market access. Some required tests must be conducted in third countries, prompting Kazakhstan to rebuild its own laboratory capabilities. Berdalin shared that the Kazakh government has allocated 3.8 billion tenge ($7.7 million) this year to support veterinary laboratories. "To export to a country, we must meet all its import requirements. For instance, to export our honey, we need to conduct 43 specific tests. Currently, we handle 20 in-house, but the remaining 23 are outsourced to laboratories in Latvia and Georgia,” Berdalin explained. In addition to Turkey, the Ministry of Agriculture is working to open European markets for Kazakh meat. Last year, Kazakhstan exported over 53,000 tons of meat and meat products valued at $153 million. Poultry was the largest export category, at nearly 32,000 tons, followed by beef at 15,800 tons. Primary export destinations included Uzbekistan, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Iran,...