In order to forge a stronger and more modern partnership in the agri-food sector, the first high-level EU agri-food mission led by European Commissioner J. Wojciechowski is taking place in Kazakhstan from May 27 to 31, 2024.

The agri-food business mission includes more than 40 companies from 16 EU member states. The visit includes events aimed at establishing close contacts and identifying specific areas of cooperation between representatives of the business communities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU. Agricultural cooperation occupies an important place on the agenda of both parties. Our country is an important destination for EU agricultural exports: in 2023, it amounted to 702 million euros.

In this regard, meetings of EU agri-food enterprises with representatives of the business of the Republic of Kazakhstan are taking place in Almaty and Astana. The mission participants represent a wide range of food and beverage products, including: products of animal origin; wines and spirits; fruits, vegetables and seeds; organic and specialty products subject to geographical indication protection. This will also create unique opportunities to exchange experiences and recipes, enriching the gastronomic traditions of different sides.

In between business meetings, we talked with a participant from Romania, with

Andra Nichitean, representing the company SC Rom Honey Group SRL:

Qazaq Culture: First of all, thank you for participating in the interview with our publication. How do you like our country?

Andra Nichitean: Thank you for the opportunity to speak here in your beautiful country. We are amazed by the magnificent landscapes and the warmth of your people. I represent a honey company and group from Romania. We collect honey mainly from Romanian beekeepers and have great export opportunities around the world, including America and Japan. We follow international export and certification requirements and are also certified as organic, which is very important for this type of import. Your honey and food products are of high quality, and we see great interest in buying quality products at reasonable prices. If we reduce the cost of intermediaries and work directly with producers, we can offer competitive prices, for example, lower than from France. This will ensure better or equal quality at lower prices.

Qazaq Culture: Can you briefly tell us about your company, its history and core values?

Andra Nichitean: Our history is quite short. We revived a production workshop that was closed three years ago and started producing innovative honey products thanks to research carried out by the Research Institute of Romania based on European grants. The glycemic index for diabetics was also studied. We also participate in research projects in Europe.

Qazaq Culture: How do you confirm the quality of your products?

Andra Nichitean: The quality of our products is confirmed by many certificates, such as ISO and FDIS. We have our own laboratory center, as well as contracts with a laboratory in Germany, which confirm the high quality of our honey. We carry out more than a hundred analyzes for each type of honey, even small batches of honey, to guarantee its quality.

Qazaq Culture: Honey is a very complex product. What measures do you take to confirm its quality?

Andra Nichitean: Honey is indeed a complex product. At first glance, it may seem simple, but in reality, honey is a whole complex, a whole product system. And the second - the most falsified product in the world. In the world - olive oil, and after honey, require more than 100 analyzes and tests. Therefore, we conduct many tests to confirm its quality. For a promising business, we are open to new clients and business opportunities. We are also interested in close cooperation and partnership with local businessmen for the joint use of developed products.

Qazaq Culture: How do you like the local honey and cuisine?

Andra Nichitean: Yes, I tried honey in Kazakhstan during breakfast. I noticed you have a specific honey from Ukraine. And this is quite a rare honey. Because it is on a specific basis. And not white, but dark, and also buckwheat honey. I really like all the dishes and, of course, the people in your area, and I am happy to be here.

Qazaq Culture: What are your impressions of Kazakhstan?

Andra Nichitean: Honestly, this is my first time in Kazakhstan and I need some time to form my opinion. I try not to make superficial conclusions and prefer to learn more about the country or business project before expressing my opinion.

Qazaq Culture: Thank you very much for the interesting conversation.

Kazakhstan has been a key partner of the EU in Central Asia throughout the entire post-Soviet period. The EU, in turn, has become an influential pole in the global economy, and their partnership with Kazakhstan contributes to the development and strengthening of not only economic, but also cultural ties in the region.

Event Dates: May 29/30, 2024

Venue: Astana, Interfood Astana, EU Pavilion at Expo at: Мәңгілік Ел Ave 53/1