Kazakh-Portuguese interregional cooperation is actively developing

21-22 December 2020. Ambassador Daulet Batrashev visited the northern Portuguese regions of Porto and Braga on a working visit. Meetings were held with the leadership of a number of major municipalities, business associations and academic circles.

With the Mayor of Braga Ricardo Rio discussed issues of cooperation between local authorities of Kazakhstan and Portugal, prospects for cooperation in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. An agreement was reached to study the possibility of establishing twinning arrangements between the cities of Braga and Karaganda.

In order to establish investment cooperation, the Ambassador visited a number of large enterprises of light industry, transport and construction. Constructive negotiations with the management of Torrestir, MCA Group and A&R Pontes SA confirmed the interest of local business in entering our country's market.

In particular, MCA Group is willing to invest in the construction of roads and social facilities in Kazakhstan, and A&R Pontes SA has expressed its intention to invest in the creation of a shoe-making enterprise.

During the visit, Daulet Batrashev took part in a videoconference between the head of one of the largest universities in Portugal - the University of Minho - Rui Vieira de Castro and the head of the International University of Akhmed Yasawi in Turkestan Bolatbek Abdrasilov. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed, providing for the exchange of students and teachers, as well as the implementation of joint educational projects. In addition, a presentation of Abay Kunanbayev's book "Book of Words", translated into Portuguese, was organised at Minho University.

The Ambassador's working meetings in Porto focused on boosting bilateral cooperation in science and technology, including negotiations with the director of the Porto Institute of Computer Science and Technology (INESC-TEC), João Pesce Lopes. João Pecas Lopes, Director of the Porto Institute of Computer Science and Technology (INESC-TEC). The meeting explored potential for cooperation in innovation, applied engineering, energy and renewable energy disciplines. As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to initiate working contacts between INESC-TEC and leading research centres in Kazakhstan.