Kazakhstan and the Netherlands continue to strengthen cooperation in agricultural sphere
More than 40 Netherlands companies took part in the Grow Expo and Flora exhibition in the Kazakh capital on April 8-10 displaying the advanced horticultural solutions. H.E. Jan-Kees Goet, the Secretary General for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature visited Kazakhstan, participated in the opening ceremony of the GROW EXPO exhibition and gave an interview about the joint projects with Kazakhstan and Netherlands’ leadership in sustainable and efficient horticulture.
Strong Foundation for Agricultural Cooperation
The relationship between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands is grounded in complementary strengths. Kazakhstan’s vast agricultural land and resources, combined with the Netherlands' advanced agricultural expertise, form a solid foundation for collaboration. Kazakhstan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia enhances its role in food security and international trade, making it an important partner for the Netherlands.
Mutual Benefits: Knowledge Exchange and Innovation
The Netherlands' leadership in high-tech agriculture, particularly in horticulture, greenhouse technology, and food production, provides an opportunity for Kazakhstan to modernize and innovate. This section emphasizes the mutual benefits of the partnership, such as knowledge exchange, joint projects, and the application of innovative solutions. It underscores how both countries’ strengths contribute to improving agricultural efficiency and supporting food security.
Specific Technological Innovations
The Netherlands, known for its expertise in greenhouse technology, automation, and AI-driven solutions, has introduced systems that are particularly beneficial for Kazakhstan’s climate and agricultural needs:
- Climate-Controlled Greenhouses: These technologies, which include automation, LED lighting, and water-efficient irrigation, are particularly useful in Kazakhstan’s dry climate.
- AI-Driven Monitoring: The use of AI and smart sensors to optimize greenhouse conditions (temperature, humidity, soil) enhances productivity.
- Sustainable Practices: Incorporating renewable energy and precision irrigation systems not only boosts productivity but also promotes sustainability in agriculture.
Adaptation to Climate Change
The Convergence Initiative, a partnership focused on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices. The Netherlands has contributed to this initiative by developing drought-resistant crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation systems, and regenerative agriculture practices. These innovations are crucial for Kazakhstan, especially considering its vulnerability to climate change.
Water-efficient irrigation systems, such as precision drip irrigation and water recycling technologies, help optimize water use while maintaining productivity.
Regenerative agriculture practices, including soil conservation, no-till farming, and organic composting, contribute to preserving soil fertility and combating desertification.
Role of Innovation and Policy Support
The Netherlands’ success in agricultural automation and robotics is partly due to supportive government policies, strong research institutions, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. This has enabled Dutch farmers to maximize productivity despite limited land and a high population density. Kazakhstan can benefit from similar approaches in terms of policy support for innovation, investment in modern technologies, and agricultural education.
Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Potential
Kazakhstan's ambition to become a key agricultural hub due to its favorable geographical location and commitment to agricultural development can be supported by the Netherlands. Kazakhstan is already attracting foreign investment and fostering agricultural innovation, with favorable conditions such as government incentives and support for advanced technologies.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Impact
The Netherlands is one of Kazakhstan’s top trading partners, with significant bilateral trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). This financial data reinforces the importance of the agricultural cooperation and sets the stage for future growth in trade and investment.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands is one of the top five trading partners of Kazakhstan in the EU. In 2023, bilateral trade was $4.4 billion (exports – $4 billion, imports – $400 million). Since 2005, FDI from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan has been approximately $117.7 billion.
The collaboration between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands is an excellent example of how countries with complementary strengths can form mutually beneficial relationships. Kazakhstan’s agricultural potential, paired with Dutch technological expertise, creates a powerful synergy that drives innovation and sustainability.
