Astana, Kazakhstan, Jan. 15
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakhstan's metallurgical products export has decreased on average by 6-7 percent in recent years, Deputy Chairman of the board of National Agency for Export and Investment KAZNEX INVEST Meyrzhan Maykenov said on Jan.13 at a press conference in Astana.
"Kazakhstan's metallurgical products export has decreased on average by 6-7 percent in recent years. One of the reasons for this reduction was the sanctions against Iran, as Iran was the main sales market for the products of our metallurgical giant Arcelor Mittal. The second reason for the reduction of metallurgical products export is the world economic crisis," Maykenov said.
An increase was only observed in late 2013, but there is no exact data yet, according to Maykenov.
According to KAZNEX INVEST, Kazakh producers will be able to present their products in Iran in the first six months of 2014 and to hold talks with potential purchasers. Taking into account the high interest of national companies in the development of business with Iran, plans are to hold a trade mission in Tehran.
The foreign trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran amounted to $656 million in 2012. This is by 40 percent less than in 2011. The export from Kazakhstan also decreased 44 percent and amounted to slightly more than $ 600 million during this period.
Trade turnover between the two countries hit $387 million in the first nine months of 2013. The main products exported from Kazakhstan to Iran are flat-rolled products of iron, wheat, barley, and cake.
"This country's potential as a sales market for our products is high," Maykenov said.
According to the National Export Strategy of Kazakhstan, Iran is included in the list of 12 main sales markets for domestic goods alongside Russia, Central Asian counties and Caucasus, China, Afghanistan and the EU market.
The National Agency for Export and Investment KAZNEX INVEST was founded on April 2, 2010 with the decision of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies on the basis of KAZNEX Corporation for Export Development and Promotion.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.