Kazakhstan Signs SCO Plant Quarantine Protocol, Discusses Agricultural Exports with China

A delegation from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture participated in the third meeting of heads of departments responsible for plant quarantine from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Kazakh side was represented by Murat Irgibayev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of State Inspection in the Agro-Industrial Complex. The meeting focused on developing phytosanitary partnership as a key factor for expanding mutual trade in agricultural products within the SCO framework.

Special attention was paid to strengthening collective phytosanitary security, harmonizing requirements, and improving information exchange between member countries. Following the discussions, a joint Protocol was signed, formalizing agreed-upon approaches to facilitating mutual agricultural trade among SCO states.

On the sidelines of the meeting, bilateral negotiations took place between the Kazakh delegation and representatives from China. The parties discussed expanding exports of Kazakh agricultural products to the Chinese market and measures to ensure stable supplies.

Issues related to systematizing export procedures and aligning them with international standards were also considered. This alignment is expected to increase supply predictability and enhance the export potential of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex.

Representatives from Kazakhstan's Committee expressed readiness for further deepening cooperation in quality control and product safety. The agreements reached confirm mutual interest between Kazakhstan and China in removing barriers and strengthening long-term agricultural ties.