A roundtable discussion titled “Kazakhstan–Germany Agro & Water Nexus” was held in the German capital, bringing together representatives of German companies from the agro-industrial and water sectors, as well as a Kazakh delegation that arrived in Berlin to participate in the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), DKNews.kz reports.
The event became a platform for in-depth dialogue on sustainable agriculture, technological cooperation, and efficient water management — areas that are increasingly central to the global food security agenda.
High-level dialogue and shared priorities
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov, Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Azat Sultanov, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany (BMLEH) Markus Schick, and Dirk Stratmann, Speaker of the German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA) for Central Asia.
Speakers highlighted the strategic nature of Kazakhstan–Germany cooperation and noted the strong potential for expanding practical partnerships in the agricultural and water sectors, particularly through innovation and technology transfer.
Technology, water efficiency, and digital farming
The roundtable agenda featured three panel discussions focused on:
- prospects for technological transfer and the development of sustainable agrosystems,
- implementation of water-efficient solutions and modernization of water infrastructure,
- digitalization of agriculture and the introduction of smart technologies.
More than 40 representatives of business associations, scientific institutions, private companies, and expert communities from both countries took part in the discussions, sharing practical experience and outlining future cooperation pathways.
Agriculture as a driver of economic growth
During the discussions, participants referred to the Address of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Nation, in which agriculture was identified as one of the key drivers of economic growth, technological modernization, and export potential for Kazakhstan.
The focus, it was emphasized, is not merely on increasing production volumes, but primarily on quality, sustainability, deep processing, and innovation — principles that are shaping Kazakhstan’s modern agricultural policy.
Germany as a key technology partner
In this context, cooperation with Germany is seen as especially important. Kazakhstan and Germany are already successfully implementing joint projects in:
- agro-engineering,
- deep processing of agricultural products,
- organic farming,
- seed production,
- adoption of German quality standards and water-efficient technologies.
German companies are actively operating in Kazakhstan, creating jobs, introducing advanced technologies, and forming new value-added chains. These initiatives are delivering tangible results and strengthening the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.
Focus on sustainability and smart solutions
At the conclusion of the roundtable, participants exchanged views on current challenges and opportunities for expanding cooperation in priority areas. These include sustainable agriculture, seed production, technology transfer, modernization of water infrastructure, water resource management in agriculture, and the wider application of smart and digital technologies.
Experts noted that combining Germany’s technological expertise with Kazakhstan’s agricultural potential could significantly contribute to sustainable development and food security, both nationally and at the regional level.
