Italy - The Times Of Central Asia

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Italian Company Eyes Tomato Product Manufacturing in Kazakhstan

Italy’s Tramite Group is exploring opportunities to establish a tomato paste production facility in Kazakhstan, as part of broader efforts to boost agro-industrial cooperation between the two countries. On April 1, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, met with Gianantonio Tramet, founder and general manager of Tramite Group, to discuss tomato cultivation and processing in Kazakhstan, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture. Tramet noted that his company is actively seeking partners to supply natural food products from Kazakhstan, citing the country's favorable climate for growing high-quality produce. Italy currently imports 180,000 tons of tomato paste annually, and Tramite Group is considering shifting part of this demand to be met through production in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. Agro-Industrial Cluster in Shardara Tramite Group plans to collaborate with Kazakhstan’s Agriqa Farms LLP, which has launched a project to develop an export-oriented agro-industrial cluster in town of Shardara, in the central Turkestan region. The initiative will begin in May 2025 with the construction of a 22-hectare greenhouse complex. It will also include: A tomato paste processing plant with a planned capacity of 3,360 tons per day An alfalfa granulation facility A fruit and vegetable drying and freezing plant In 2026, the project will expand to install drip irrigation systems across 8,000 hectares of farmland. Saparov welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting large-scale agro-processing ventures. He assured Tramite Group of comprehensive government assistance for the joint Kazakh-Italian enterprise.

Italy Bilateral Relations Bilateral Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy are set to take their bilateral relations to a new level by enhancing military cooperation through targeted collaborations and strategic agreements. This partnership represents a significant step in bolstering the defense capabilities of Kazakhstan while strengthening ties between the Central Asian power and a key European Union member state. Key Areas of Collaboration The partnership will focus on several critical areas, including joint training initiatives, personnel exchanges, and advancements in military technology. Known for its ambitious modernization efforts across various sectors, Kazakhstan sees collaboration with Italy as an opportunity to upgrade its defense infrastructure and expertise. With its advanced military technology and extensive experience in both conventional and peacekeeping operations, Italy could provide Kazakhstan with valuable insights into modern warfare techniques and operational strategies. Potential areas of cooperation include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and border security, reflecting mutual interests in maintaining regional and global stability. Additionally, military equipment production and joint defense projects are on the table, positioning Italy as a potential key player in Kazakhstan’s defense procurement strategy. By sharing technology and expertise, both nations aim to enhance their military preparedness and foster mutual growth. The news comes after a Kazakh delegation, headed by the Defense Minister of Kazakhstan, Ruslan Zhakssylykov, visited Italy’s Ministry of Defense and various military facilities, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Defense. The Strategic Importance Kazakhstan occupies a vital geopolitical position in Central Asia, serving as a crossroads for trade and security routes connecting Europe and Asia. A stronger defense partnership with Italy, a NATO member, underscores Kazakhstan’s intention to diversify its international relations and expand its defense partnerships beyond neighboring powers, China and Russia. For Italy, this cooperation aligns with its broader goal of deepening ties in Central Asia, a region that is becoming increasingly significant for global peace and security, especially given its proximity to Afghanistan and the interplay of great-power politics in the area. Enhanced ties with Kazakhstan offer Italy a foothold in Central Asia and a strategic partner with shared commitments to regional security and stability. This partnership also complements Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy approach, which seeks to balance relations with major global players while focusing on national interests. Deepening ties with Italy helps Kazakhstan diversify its defense alliances and reduce over-reliance on any single foreign power for military support. Recent Developments Recent discussions between Kazakh and Italian defense officials have demonstrated a commitment to cooperation. Agreements on military education programs and joint exercises are already underway. A key highlight of this partnership is Kazakhstan’s potential involvement in Italy’s defense technology initiatives. Reports suggest that ongoing negotiations could lead to joint production deals involving advanced military equipment, including drones and surveillance systems. Such developments would allow Kazakhstan to benefit from Italy’s state-of-the-art defense capabilities while contributing to its domestic military-industrial base. Outlook for the Future This emerging partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy signals a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s defense strategy. The collaborative efforts will not only help Kazakhstan grow its military competency but also fortify Italy’s presence in an...

University Education Italy Language Teaching

Italian University to Send its Professors to Turkmenistan

The Turkmen State University and the University of Perugia for Foreigners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The main areas of cooperation include introducing modern methods of teaching foreign languages and exchanging advanced pedagogical experience. Special attention will be paid to developing university relations, which involves exchanging curricula, programs, and methodological materials. Scientific publications and textbooks will also be exchanged, improving the quality of foreign language teaching in both educational institutions. A notable aspect of the agreement is the deployment of Italian language instructors from the University of Perugia to Turkmen State University. This initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to learn Italian directly from native speakers. The University of Perugia for Foreigners, founded in 1921, is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious universities. It is the only institution of higher education in the country that specializes in teaching the Italian language and culture to international students. Located in the picturesque city of Perugia, the university offers a wide range of programs, from language courses to full degree programs in Italian language and culture.

International Relations Economic Cooperation International investment Bilateral Trade Italy Export/Import

Kazakhstan Seeks Co-Production Venture with Italy

Following the Kazakh-Italian forum, "Kazakhstan–Italy: Trade and Investment Opportunities on the Way to Kazakhstan," on October 8 in Milan, the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration reported that discussions had focused on renewable energy, the agro-industrial sector, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and technological innovations, with an emphasis on Kazakhstan's strategic importance in economic cooperation between Europe and Central Asia. The event came in the wake of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev official visit to Italy in January 2024, which marked a significant step in strengthening Kazakh-Italian relations. The Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev noted that Italy is one of Kazakhstan's key trading partners in the European Union with one of the three largest trade turnovers, and proposed the introduction of "Made with Italy"; a concept aimed to promote products created in collaboration with Italian companies. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister at the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy supported the notion and stressed that joint projects would stimulate the development of small and medium-sized businesses in both countries. Essential to the initiative, would be the creation of centers of excellence for the transition to European quality standards in Kazakhstan. To ensure the rapid entry of Kazakh products into the EU and Italian markets, such centers would issue certificates of equivalence of manufactured products to EU regulations. The forum also discussed prospects in the tourism sector, with Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanke noting the significant potential for the growth of tourist exchange, facilitated by the launch of direct flights between Astana and Milan. The forum launched Kazakh companies' first trade and economic mission to Italy, involving over 50 enterprises representing agriculture, oilfield services, textile industry, tourism, and IT sectors. According to Kazakh statistics, in 2023, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy amounted to $16.1 billion, an increase of 7.8% since the previous year, with exports from Kazakhstan reaching $14.8 billion. In January-August 2024, bilateral trade increased by 33% to $13.8 billion, with Kazakh exports rising by 36% to $12.9 billion. Kazakhstan's main exports to Italy comprise crude oil (+38.1%), coal (309-fold increase), flax seeds ($4.1 million increase), and propylene polymers (71-fold increase).

Italy Migration

Kyrgyz Labor Migrants Now Welcome in Sardinia

The Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad has signed a partnership agreement with the Italian association of farmers, Coldiretti Sardegna, which stipulates that labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan can work in Sardinia. The Italian association is interested in attracting Kyrgyz citizens to work in agriculture, with preference being given to married couples. A representative from the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad stated that “social packages were discussed, including housing, legal presence, and health insurance. Moreover, after moving to Italy, employers expressed that training in the Italian language will be provided.” Baktybek Kudaberdiyev, director of the Center, said this is the first agreement with Italian companies on hiring Kyrgyz people. “We are confident that this agreement will become the basis for successful and long-term cooperation, benefiting both sides,” Kudaberdiyev stated. The cooperation agreement was organized by the Kyrgyz ambassador to Italy, Taalai Bazarbayev. Coldiretti Sardegna is a trade union representing Italian enterprises working in Sardinia's agriculture and agri-food sectors.

Investments Oil & Gas Export/Import Economy Italy hybrid

Construction begins on Kazakhstan’s First Hybrid Power Plant

On July 16, Kazakhstan celebrated the launch of construction on a hybrid power plant in Zhanaozen, funded by national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and Italian energy company Eni S.p.A., in its western region of Mangystau. According to KMG, the 247 MW hybrid project developed by Eni Plenitude will combine renewable energy sources -wind and solar - and a gas power plant to generate, balance and stabilize electricity production. The solar power plant will have a capacity of 50 MW; the wind power component, 77 MW, and the gas power plant,120 MW. By combing all three, the hybrid power plant will ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity to KMG's regional subsidiary companies, including Ozenmunaygas and the Kazakh gas processing plant, and eliminate risks of shutdowns resulting from frequent interruptions to power supplies. Since approximately 40% of all electricity produced by the hybrid plant will be "green," the project will make a significant contribution to the implementation of KMG's decarbonization strategy by reducing its carbon footprint. Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas, welcomed the initiative to provide Kazakhstan with its first hybrid plant and stated, "The project leverages Eni's international industrial experience and represents an innovative combination of various technologies. It also aims to diversify and decarbonize the energy supply in the Mangystau region. Additionally, the project will create new employment opportunities for highly skilled professionals in the region.” Present in Kazakhstan since 1992, Eni is a joint operator of the Karachaganak field, an equity partner in various projects in the Northern Caspian Sea, including the Kashagan offshore field, and KMG's partner in the exploration block Abay.