қаз/рус

A visit of the Swiss delegation headed by the Minister of Economy, Education and Research of Switzerland Johann Schneider-Ammann to Mangystau region was held.

There was a bilateral meeting of the Mangystau region Akim, Eraly Tugzhanov, and the Minister for Investments and Development Zhenis Kasymbek with the Head of the Swiss delegation in the regional Akimat. A Joint Statement on the intention to conclude an agreement on mutual recognition of assay stamps on precious metals and articles thereof was signed.

As Zhenis Kasymbek noted, in 2017 the foreign trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Switzerland exceeded US$ 3 billion, which is 14% higher than in 2016. Export of Kazakhstan to Switzerland for the same period also increased by 14%

"Switzerland is a strategic and important trade and economic partner of Kazakhstan in Europe for us. Our today's meeting is another confirmation of our firm intention to further strengthen trade and economic ties, expand the spheres of mutual cooperation in the areas of mutual interest," - the Minister for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted.

The gross inflow of direct investment from Switzerland to Kazakhstan has exceeded US $ 20 billion over the past 12 years. Today, more than 300 joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan with the participation of Swiss capital in such sectors as energy, transport, innovation, medicine, etc. In addition, in the last three years, the total trade turnover between the Mangystau region and Switzerland amounted to more than US $ 7 billion. 99.9% of which is oil exports almost.

"11 joint ventures with the participation of Swiss capital are registered in Mangystau region. The active trade turnover between our countries is facilitated by the presence of a powerful transit and transport and logistics potential of international importance between Europe and Asia through its region. There are international transport corridors "TRACECA" and "North-South" through its territory, connecting Eastern Europe with Central Asia and Northern Europe - with countries of the Persian Gulf," - said Eraly Tugzhanov, Akim of the Mangystau region.

J. Schneider-Ammann noted that his next visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and spoke about the development of innovation and digitalization in Switzerland.

During the business visit, the delegation from Switzerland got acquainted with the production capacities of Port Kuryk LLP, Aktau Sea Northern Terminal LLP, subzones No.1 of SEZ Aktau Seaport. The delegation of Switzerland got acquainted with the production capacities of Kazakhstan Pipe Traders (Tenaris) LLP and Arcelor Mittal Tubular Products JSC. Then the guests visited "Aktau International Sea Trade Port" JSC. 

Source: mangystau.gov.kz