On April 18, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, chaired the 14th meeting of the "Kazakhstan-EU" dialogue platform, with the participation of diplomatic mission leaders of EU member states and top managers of several European companies. The agenda included discussions on trade, economic cooperation, investment, joint water resource management, and agricultural development.
Bektenov emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships with EU countries to develop sustainable water infrastructure, especially in light of the ongoing complex flood situation in the country. The Kazakhstan government has adopted a concept for the development of water resource management to reduce unproductive water transport losses, enhance land irrigation monitoring systems, and modernize hydraulic structures to mitigate emergency situations.
The EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, confirmed the priority of cooperation in agriculture and water resource management. Water issues are at the forefront of collaboration with Central Asia, emphasizing the need for efficient water use to stimulate the adoption of more effective technologies.
During the meeting, European diplomats and foreign company representatives shared experiences in water-saving technologies and agricultural development. Innovative irrigation technologies and solutions for water-efficient agriculture were presented, aiming to increase yields while reducing water consumption.
The meeting also discussed Finland's expertise in monitoring water quality using solar-powered online stations, with plans to launch pilot projects in Kazakhstan. Participants explored Sweden's innovative wastewater treatment technologies and Hungary's transition to advanced agricultural methods, including seed breeding.
Bektenov highlighted that water resource issues directly impact agricultural development, aligning with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to enhance the agro-industrial complex and ensure rational water resource use. Kazakhstan aims to increase food exports to the EU market by leveraging European agricultural technologies and fostering joint projects in agriculture production and processing.
In February, Kazakhstan approved a five-year concept for the development of water resource management. The fruitful dialogue between Kazakhstan and the EU signifies a shared commitment to sustainable water management and agricultural development, paving the way for mutually beneficial collaborations in the future.
