Kazakhstan and Moldova discuss industrial cooperation projects
Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebayev discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Autonomous Territorial Entity of Gagauzia (Republic of Moldova) with the Head of the Autonomous Territorial Entity of Gagauzia Irina Vlah.
The parties noted that trade between our countries has been showing annual growth over the past years.
- Despite the lockdowns of last year, we managed not only to increase the trade turnover between our countries, but almost doubled it from 38 to 76 million US dollars. In the first half of this year, we also see an increase in trading activity. This indicates a great potential for increasing cooperation, which we will have to implement in practice, " said Kairat Torebayev.
In particular, the parties noted significant prospects for cooperation in the IT sector, digital innovations, and industry.
Ms. Vlah noted that Moldova has an Association Agreement with the European Union and conducts free trade with the EU.
"Kazakhstani producers and investors can use the territory of Moldova as a gateway to enter the EU market," she said.
Kairat Torebayeuv, in turn, suggested that Moldovan business use the opportunities of the cross-border International Trade and Economic Centers "Khorgos" and "Central Asia" for export to the countries of the Central Asian region and China.
The parties also discussed the possibility of industrial cooperation in such areas as food and light industry. Including at the sites of cross-border trade and economic centers.
The meeting was held as part of the participation of Vice Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebayev in the XII International Economic Summit "Russia-the Islamic World: KazanSummit 2021".
Within the framework of the summit, it is planned to hold a Trade and economic Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a Kazakh-Russian business forum.
For reference:
The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Moldova in 2020 amounted to 75.8 million US dollars, which is 98.6% higher than the previous year (38.2 million US dollars). Kazakhstan's exports to Moldova increased 2.2 times last year (up to $ 63 million). Against 28.9 million in 2019).
The main export goods from Kazakhstan to Moldova are: railway locomotives (with a share of 74% in the total export volume), unkempt cotton fiber, natural gas. As well as non-extinguished postage stamps, stamp paper, televisions, monitors and projectors; confectionery and pasta, melons, dried vegetables. Also, various plastic products, electric generators and flour are supplied to Moldova from Kazakhstan.
Gagauz (Gagauzlar) is a Turkic-speaking people, historically formed on the Balkan Peninsula. As part of Moldova, there is an autonomous territorial entity of Gagauzia with its capital in the city of Comrat