Agrobiotechnical Cooperation: Gabidulla Ospankulov Meets with French Company

Astana, April 15, 2026 – Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with representatives of the French company Boehringer Ingelheim. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC NH QazBioPharm, and JSC NC Kazakh Invest.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current status and prospects of the investment project for the production of veterinary vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease. They noted the successful completion of the first year of cooperation and the planned transition to the next phase, which involves a gradual transfer of competencies and technologies.

The parties also discussed strategic areas for further collaboration, including the development of scientific and industrial cooperation and increased localization of production. The establishment of a regional hub for vaccine production and export to neighboring countries at the company's Kazakhstani facility was identified as a key priority.

Boehringer Ingelheim representatives confirmed their long-term interest in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the country's strategic importance in the company's global operations. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working together to implement the project, including addressing issues related to adapting vaccines to current epizootic conditions and further attracting investment into Kazakhstan's agribiotechnology sector.

Background: Boehringer Ingelheim is a pharmaceutical company founded by Alfred Boehringer in 1885. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company is among the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies and holds a leading position in the production of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, with its own vaccine bank. More than 47,400 employees work in 142 representative offices worldwide.

Merial, a veterinary products manufacturer, is part of Boehringer Ingelheim and also a leader in the production of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. Its products are recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).