Export - The Times Of Central Asia

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UNDP Supports Export Promotion Center in Kyrgyzstan

A much welcomed export development and promotion center has been launched in Kyrgyzstan with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to a report by the UNDP in Kyrgyzstan on May 7, the key aim of the Kyrgyz Export Center is to offer advice and equip Kyrgyz companies with skills and knowledge to navigate and succeed in international trade. Local businesses are promised access to a wide range of beneficial services including the provision of data and analysis of potential international markets and step-by-step guidance in entering foreign markets. Help will also be available to enable companies to fully exploit their export potential through programs tailored to maximize growth and competitiveness. In addition, local companies will be encouraged and offered support to participate in trade missions and international exhibitions through which they can showcase their products to a global audience. Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to best international practices, Urmat Takirov, director of the Kyrgyz Export Center, stated, “We strive to apply the best practices and approaches adopted in international business to ensure the best results in the development of export-oriented companies in Kyrgyzstan.”

Uzbekistan Export Basalt

Uzbekistan Expands Basalt Production

On April 8, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Basalt Uzbekistan cluster in the Jizzakh region. Seven years has passed since the region began extracting basalt and today, the cluster processes 177 thousand tons of stone per year and manufactures 42 different products. In addition to basalt wool and fibre, local enterprises employ technology from Germany, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, to provide mesh and reinforcement and insulation materials for the construction industry. In 2023, 80% of the 45 thousand tons of goods produced, were exported to the USA, Great Britain, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Six major projects worth $498 million and employing 1.7 thousand currently operate across 300 hectares in the region. Due to be launched next year with imported equipment valued at $145 million, a new enterprise will produce 25 thousand tons of basalt fiber and fabric per annum, 90% of which is destined for export. The president has now set the task for the instigation of further plants with investments of $500 million to manufacture 20 types of products and create two thousand new jobs.

Export EU Carbon Tax QazTrade Kazakhstan

Potential Impact of EU Carbon Tax on Kazakhstan’s Industries

From 2026, transboundary carbon regulations will be imposed on European Union countries. The introduction of a new EU carbon tax will also affect export of products from Kazakhstan . After the transition period, which began on January 1st 2024 and will run until the end of 2026, payment will be increased on emissions. Following discussions at a seminar for Kazakhstan’s industrial exporters on March 15th, the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration reported that the new legislation will affect six industrial sectors including the production of ferrous metals and aluminum, cement, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity. Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy Director General of QazTrade JSC stated that since Kazakhstan has an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, the country will be impacted by both the EU Green Deal and carbon border adjustment tax. To prepare for the changes, he reported that since last year, QazTrade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Integration, has been conducting awareness-raising activities on carbon taxation for export-oriented companies. An expert from the European Commission explained that cross-border regulation will mainly affect sectors associated with iron, steel and aluminum, which accounted for between 0.8 - 0.9% of Kazakhstan's total exports to the EU in 2022. EU countries currently account for 39% of Kazakhstan's exports, including oil, petroleum products, ferroalloys, coal, uranium and wheat. In 2023, Kazakhstan exported goods valued at $41.4 billion to the EU, including $388 million worth of carbon-intensive products. In the first phase, industrial enterprises will be required to submit quarterly reports to the European Commission comprising data on export volumes, greenhouse gas emissions connected to production and quotas used. After 2025, carbon regulation will come into force, and free quotas gradually levelled out. Charges will initially target direct emissions, but could later be extended to other sectors with risks of carbon leakage, such as oil refineries and chemical plants. Ainur Amirbekova, Director of the International Integration Department of QazTrade JSC, added that the introduction of a carbon tax by EU countries will inevitably affect the cost of Kazakhstan’s exports, and thus heighten competition. Since rising prices could potentially close markets for particular goods, Kazakh enterprises have been forewarned to address both decarbonization and the transition to alternative technologies as soon as possible.

furniture manufacture Export Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Increases Furniture Exports

According to a report by the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction, in 2023, Kazakhstan exported furniture valued at $13.7 million; an increase of 31% since the previous year. The prime market for Kazakh furniture is found in former Soviet countries and in 2023, to meet demand, domestic enterprises produced goods worth a total of 82.6 billion tenge; 28% more than in 2022. The most popular product was kitchen furniture, with an increase in volume of 50.4%, followed by wooden office furniture with an increase in volume of 5.4%. In comparison to 2022, the importation of furniture last year dropped by 5.3%; an indication of Kazakhs’ increasing preference for locally made products. In 2023, the industry generated a total of $537.4 million and invested of 17 billion tenge in production. With statistics showing a 3.9-fold increase compared to 2022, the future of Kazakhstan’s furniture manufacturers looks comfortable.

Agriculture Export

Uzbekistan To Increase Agricultural Exports

Agricultural production in Uzbekistan grew by 4.1% in 2023, and agricultural exports reached almost $2bn. This year the country plans to increase exports to $3.5bn. At a government meeting on February 2nd officials reported that 6,000 gardens, over 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging enterprises will be brought into compliance with international phytosanitary standards. Exports will be focused on markets with higher purchasing and paying powers. Modern facilities for exporting fruits and vegetables will be created at Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent airports. In recent years 620 phytosanitary permits have been received for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries. As part of the EU’s GSP+ trade preference system, 200,000 hectares of farmland in Uzbekistan have been brought into compliance with international standards.