ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan and Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis discussed July 10 in Astana bilateral trade and economic cooperation in the light and food industries, agriculture, tourism, education, training of civil aviation personnel and medical tourism, reported primeminister.kz.
They also focused on transit transport as well as small and medium-sized business development.
One day prior, Vejonis took part in the celebration of the National Day of Latvia at EXPO 2017.
“Holding EXPO 2017 in Astana once again stressed the role Kazakhstan in the modern world. Participation of Latvia in this exhibition is a very important event for our nation. EXPO 2017 will give new opportunities for Latvian entrepreneurs,” he said at the opening ceremony.
“Cooperation between Latvia and Kazakhstan is based on openness and mutual respect. Our countries are bounded by a common history and successful economic cooperation. Kazakhstan’s advantages include the developed infrastructure, as well as ties with China and other countries of the region. In turn, Latvia can provide communication with Northern Europe,” the Latvian President said.
According to Vejonis, bilateral cooperation will continue to develop in transport, tourism, environmental protection, information technologies, construction and other sectors.
First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin, Chairperson of the Astana EXPO 2017 national company Akhmetzhan Yessimov and other officials and guests took part in the event.
Addressing the audience, Mamin noted that this year diplomatic relations between Latvia and Kazakhstan turn 25. He also spoke about opportunities for the development of transit sphere between the two countries.
Within the ceremony, the Latvian side presented a concert programme, including famous jazz musicians and other artists.
The Latvian delegation also visited the national pavilions of Kazakhstan and Latvia.
In 2016, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Latvia was $126.2 million ($93.5 million in export, $32.7 million in import). In the period between January and April of this year, mutual trade turnover was $31.8 million ($25.3 million in export, $6.5 million in import).
Today, there are more than 60 Kazakh-Latvian joint ventures operating in Kazakhstan.
