ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan and Turkey have signed a $2 billion investment agreement focusing on the agro-industrial sector and agricultural trade, according to the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry’s press service.

Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov and Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli on Aug. 11 held negotiations with Turkish businesses interested in developing projects in Kazakhstan for processing grains and legumes, cattle hides, ice cream production, and localizing the production of agricultural equipment.

Companies involved in the deep processing of grain legumes noted the great potential of Kazakhstan in the production of products with high added value, such as amino acids, including lysine, gluten and other products that are in high demand in the market, the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry noted.

Kazakhstan and Turkey, two of the largest wheat producers and flour exporters in the region, have seen an increase in the trade of agricultural products between the two countries in recent years.

Kazakhstan has successfully completed six investment projects with Turkish investors and plans to undertake 10 additional projects, totaling $553 million, the Kazakh Agricultural Ministry said. These projects include building greenhouse complexes, deep processing plants for wheat and beans, and vegetable storage facilities.