IFPRI CA NEWS DIGEST (MARCH 29, 2017 – APRIL 4, 2017)
News
Products from Kyrgyzstan in most cases not pass phytosanitary control
(30 March 2017 24.kg) Most Kyrgyz products do not pass phytosanitary control upon import into the Novosibirsk region. High phytosanitary risk products are often transported without necessary documents confirming phytosanitary safety or without marking on packages.
Tajik specialists participate in training course on agricultural production safety in Kyrgyzstan
(31 March 2017 Asia-Plus) Food safety managers from Tajikistan will participate in a training course on agricultural production safety in Kyrgyzstan. The training will be carried out over at least three cycles of 18-day trainings in 2017.
Cabinet approves development of food and processing industry program
(1 April 2017 24.kg) The Cabinet approved the program for the development of the food and processing industry in Kyrgyzstan for 2017–2021. The program is designed to create the necessary conditions for the modernization of the industry, and for the resolution of various financial, economic, and social problems.
Cotton sowing campaign kicks off in Turkmenistan
(1 April 2017 AKIpress) The sowing of cotton, which is one of Turkmenistan’s major crops, has begun. This year 545,000 hectares of fields have been allocated for cotton growing, and farmers are expected to harvest over a million tons of cotton.
Kazakh government to allocate $190 million for spring field, harvesting operations
(1 April 2017 Astana Times) The Kazakh government will provide a 60 billion tenge (US$190.4 million) loan from the national budget to finance spring field work this year. The loan is enough to fund up to three million hectares of sown areas.
Kazakhstan seeks China investment in agro-industrial sector, more agro exports
(3 April 2017 Times of Central Asia) A Kazakh delegation arrived in Beijing on March 31 in an effort to attract Chinese investments in Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector and promote the export of Kazakh agricultural products to China. A protocol was signed between the two countries on the requirements of inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for the export of Kazakh wheat bran to China.
Kazakhstan develops agro export roadmap
(4 April 2017 Times of Central Asia) Kazakhstan has developed a roadmap for priority export markets and products. The EEU member countries, China, Iran, and Persian Gulf states have been identified as the most important export markets.
Analysis
Kazakh farmers face challenges in production and exporting wheat, yet opportunities are vast
(4 April 2017 Astana Times) According to Nurlan Dautkanov, an expert in the field of industrial wheat processing, the demand for Kazakh wheat will fall in the near future, mainly because importing countries are gradually moving away from grain dependence to ensure their food security.
Other Information
Turkmenistan, Belarus Launch $1 Billion Potash Fertilizer Plant
(31 March 2017 RadioFreeEurope) A new potash fertilizer plant worth over $1 billion was launched in eastern Turkmenistan. The Turkmen President said the plant would help meet high domestic and export demand for the fertilizer. The plant is reportedly capable of producing 1.4 million tons of fertilizer annually and is expected to export its products to China, India, and other countries.
Uzbekistan, Russia sign documents worth $3.5B
(4 April 2017 Trend) Uzbekistan and Russia have signed 16 bilateral trade and investment agreements, contracts and other documents worth more than $3.5 billion. The countries also signed a contract on supply of fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products worth $612 million to Russia, a memorandum on the supply of Russian oil to Uzbekistan, and an agreement on cooperation in the supply of excavator equipment.
Publications
Identifying Structural Reform Gaps in Emerging Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
Asel Isakova, Maksym Ivanyna, Norbert Funke. IMF Working Paper. March 30, 2017.
Meeting Asia's Infrastructure Needs
Asian Development Bank
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The articles included in this news digest have been generated from online sources. Any opinions stated herein are not representative of, or endorsed by, the International Food Policy Research Institute or its partners.
