ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "NC Kazakh Invest," recently met with Markus W. Sieger, CEO of Polpharma Group, to sign a memorandum of cooperation aimed at launching a new investment project in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.
According to information, this initiative is being led by SANTO, a member of the Polpharma Group
“The primary goal of this memorandum is to improve patient access to essential medicines in Kazakhstan while addressing the healthcare system's needs. Polpharma Group plans to broaden its presence in critical therapeutic areas such as diabetology, oncology, and others, which will enhance treatment availability and drive healthcare innovation,” stated the press service of Kazakh Invest.
As for Kazakh Invest, the project will focus on producing new pharmaceutical products for both domestic and international markets. This will involve introducing new therapeutic categories, launching additional production lines, investing in research and development, and enhancing the expertise of employees.
“The total investment is expected to exceed 55 million euro, with a project timeline of 10 years. Around 300 new jobs will be created, and staff will receive training based on best practices in the pharmaceutical industry, covering R&D, manufacturing, and logistics,” Kazakh Invest noted.
The company also plans to sign an Investment Agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan to secure state support and facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
In his comments, Kozhanov emphasized the project’s strategic importance for the development of Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical industry, assuring that Kazakh Invest will provide full support throughout the project’s lifecycle.
"Pharmaceuticals are a priority sector for Kazakhstan, and we are entering an exciting new phase of development as major companies expand manufacturing capabilities. This growth signals a strengthening of the entire sector. SANTO, as a key player in the Polpharma Group, is recognized for its strong export potential. We are committed to localizing advanced production that will not only serve the domestic market but also enhance Kazakhstan’s regional presence. Supporting such projects is vital for building a robust and innovative healthcare system," he stated.
Markus Sieger highlighted Kazakhstan's strategic focus on
boosting its pharmaceutical industry:
“We acknowledge that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a goal
to increase the share of locally produced medicines to 50 percent
in Kazakhstan, which is a crucial initiative. The COVID-19 pandemic
underscored the importance of resilient domestic supply chains in
the healthcare sector. Our goal is not just to expand production
within Kazakhstan but to use the country as an export hub for major
markets,” he explained.
SANTO, a member of the Polpharma Group, has already established itself as a reliable manufacturing partner and leader in the region. The company holds six GMP certificates and has undergone inspections by the European Union, with the GMP EU certificate expected soon. This certification will open up EU market access for both the company and Kazakhstan, enhancing the country’s export potential.
Polish company Polpharma Group is actively expanding in Central Asia, recognizing the region’s growth potential. In 2024, 12 percent of the company’s total sales came from Central Asian markets, a figure that continues to rise. The development of a pharmaceutical hub in Kazakhstan will not only strengthen the domestic market but also increase export opportunities. These investments and the forthcoming GMP EU certification will bolster Kazakhstan's global pharmaceutical competitiveness, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance national pharmaceutical security.
