Kazakhstan’s Ambassador A. Kamaldinov paid an official visit to Newfoundland and Labrador

In order to activate trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as to attract canadian manufacturers, their innovations and technologies to Kazakhstan on September 22-23, 2021 the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Akylbek Kamaldinov paid an official visit to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

During the visit, Kazakhstan diplomat met with Lieutenant Governor of the province J.Foote, Speaker of the House of Assembly D.Bennett, Mayor of the city of St. John’s D.Breen, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology of NL A.Parsons,  Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture D.Bragg, Executive Director at Mining Industry NL at the Provincial Chamber of Commerce E.Moriarity, Head of the Office of Maritime Operations and Director of the Port of St.Johns M.Williams and Vice President for Development of the Port Administration B.McCarthy and other provincial officials.

Taking into account the federal structure of Canada, during negotiations in St.John's, the parties stressed the importance of developing diverse cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Canadian provinces, including with Newfoundland and Labrador, which play an important role in expanding economic and investment ties between countries.

The representatives of the province highly appreciated the reforms being carried out in our country, expressed their interest in developing trade and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan and their readiness to assist in organizing a business seminar of the Embassy for provincial companies after COVID-19.

It should be noted that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the leaders among the Canadian provinces in terms of economic growth (at 4.6% this year), which is provided primarily due to the development of the oil and gas sector (offshore oil production on the Atlantic shelf) and the mining industry (development of iron and nickel ores in Labrador). Newfoundland and Labrador companies have extensive experience in the development of offshore oil fields, which is carried out in harsh climatic and weather conditions (taking into account sea currents, icebergs, sea storms).

In this regard, the experience of oil and gas companies operating in Newfoundland and Labrador represents great interest to the Kazakhstan side, taking into account the presence of offshore fields in Kazakhstan (such as Kashagan in the Caspian Sea).