As part of the practical implementation of agreements on the results of the January visit of the Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev to the Italian Republic, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev met with the Minister for Entrepreneurship and Products “Made in Italy” Mr. Adolfo Urso in Rome.
The parties discussed the expansion of trade relations between Kazakhstan and Italy, the introduction of a unified concept “Made in Kazakhstan with Italy”.
As noted by Arman Shakkaliev, between Kazakhstan and Italy has already established a successful practice of mutually beneficial cooperation. Kazakhstan is a reliable partner of Italian business in Central Asia. At the same time, our countries have great opportunities for further deepening of partnership in the economic sphere.
“The potential for exports of processed goods from Kazakhstan to Italy exceeds 260 million dollars. Organic food products have significant advantages. One of the promising goods, which, according to our forecasts, will be in demand in the Italian market, is horse meat. Kazakhstan can offer organic chilled horse meat, as well as export supplies of caviar and honey”, said Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
Taking into account that Italy annually imports horse meat worth more than 140 million dollars, Kazakhstani companies could quite successfully supply quality meat to Italian buyers.
In continuation of the agreements reached in January 2024 between the heads of state of Kazakhstan and Italy, Arman Shakkaliev proposed to work on the creation and promotion of a unified concept of “Made in Kazakhstan with Italy.” This trademark could be used for goods produced jointly by small and medium-sized businesses in Italy and Kazakhstan.
“In order to stimulate domestic production, we plan to launch the Register of goods of Kazakhstani origin. It will be available to all interested parties and will be the only source of information on goods of Kazakhstani origin. Goods from this register will be eligible for state support”, said the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
The Minister for Entrepreneurship, Adolfo Urso, said that the Made in Italy concept is now more about global product identification, about sustainable goods, social sustainability, which carries with it the notions of «made well», «well recognized». He supported the initiative to create a single brand. According to the Minister, in order for a manufacturer to release a product under the label «Made in Kazakhstan», it should, first of all, emphasize the features of its products to distinguish itself from many other brands.
On the same day Arman Shakkaliyev held talks with the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Maria Tripodi.
The parties discussed further development of trade and economic cooperation, as well as the practical implementation of agreements between the Heads of State of Kazakhstan and Italy.
Mrs. Tripodi once again emphasized that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Italian entrepreneurship, as well as for the Kazakh economy. In this regard, there is an excellent ability to establish cooperative ties in many areas. The Deputy Minister also emphasized the importance of close interaction between development institutions and export and trade promotion.
Implementation of the agreements reached will be carried out within the framework of the Intergovernmental Working Group. Finally, the parties discussed the organization and holding of the Ministerial Conference in the format of Italy+Central Asia, which will be held in May 2024.
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