Astana, May 28, 2025 — within the framework of the Astana International Forum, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov met with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu. The talks were a logical continuation of the agreements reached at the highest level in 2024 and were devoted to expanding the strategic partnership in the field of food security and the agro-industrial complex. The main focus of the meeting was on the implementation of the Kazakhstan-FAO Partnership Program and the prospects for deepening cooperation.
The discussion focused on the development of agro-processing, growth in the export of high-value-added products and the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies. Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that agriculture is a key sector of the national economy, providing exports to 80 countries. According to him, Kazakhstan intends to increase the share of processed products to 70% by implementing more than 600 investment projects worth over $4.8 billion in the next three years. The head of FAO highly appreciated Kazakhstan's potential and expressed readiness to expand cooperation. He noted that with its large resources, agrobiodiversity and strategic position, the country is capable of becoming a leader in sustainable agriculture.
One of the priorities was the introduction of digital solutions: Kazakhstan has already launched the creation of an AI-based geoinformation system and the FitoSpace platform for monitoring and preventing the spread of locusts. These technologies will improve the efficiency of phytosanitary control and reduce the environmental burden. The parties also discussed the development of the veterinary system and biosecurity, as well as sustainable water management.
Kazakhstan initiated the development of a separate Water Partnership Program, including for regions prone to drought and dust storms. Currently, the FAO project portfolio in Kazakhstan includes more than 55 initiatives, of which 33 have already been completed and 22 are under implementation. The program covers a wide range of areas - from digitalization of the agro-industrial complex to combating land degradation. The meeting was another step in strengthening partnership aimed at a sustainable future.
Source: Official information resource of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan
