November 30, 2012
Kazakhstan may export grain to China, South East Asia, North Africa
Kazakhstan has shown interest in exporting grain to China, South East Asia, North Africa and Persian Gulf region.
"China and South East Asia accessible through China's territory are the promising export directions. Moreover it is also important to ensure access to capacious markets of North Africa and the Persian Gulf," the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, the market capacity of traditional importers of Kazakh grain and flour (the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan) hit 6.5-7.0 million tonnes and does not cover Kazakhstan's grain export potential.
"Due to this fact the issue of expanding the grain export market remains relevant," the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, Kazakhstan plans to export eight million tonnes of grain in the current marketing year.
Kazakhstan is among the world's major grain exporters. In 2012 the country collected 14.7 million tonnes of grain in bunker weight.