Kazakhstan increases export of food products. Thus, this year the country targets increase of meat exports by two times. Relevant negotiations are underway for the supplies to Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China. According to the agriculture department of southern Kazakhstan, last year the region exported agricultural products worth $195 million. Farmers sent more than a thousand heads of cattle, small cattle and 200 horses. Last year, the region started exports of sheep to the United Arab Emirates. Major turkey producer also increased export capacities by 2,000 tons. The poultry complex sends its products in the Eurasian Union countries. Meanwhile, agricultural manufacturers have declared their readiness to enter new markets.

SERIK TURBEKOV, HEAD OF SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN REGIONAL AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT:

We concluded an agreement with Iran. The legal side of the issue, logistics are being considered. We are planning to export 3,000 tons of lamb.

Shcherbakty grain elevator in Pavlodar region annually increases foreign supplies of the Kazakh wheat. Grain exports to Tajikistan were established in 1993. Since that time, the wheat purchasing markets are only expanding.

SHIRINHODZHA ASLONOV, DIRECTOR, SHCHERBAKTY GRAIN ELEVATOR:

Export volumes grow every year by 5% to 10%. There are more customers. Well, basically, it all depends on the market. We mainly export Kazakhstani wheat and flour.

In the last three years, the volume of grain stored in the elevators has increased significantly. It affects record harvests as well. Presently, there are more than 20,000 tons of wheat, about 7,000 tons of sunflower and barley. Construction of vegetable storages and strengthening of horticulture development are well underway.