Kazakh-Italian intergovernmental working group held meeting in Astana

A wide array of topics in the fields of innovation and technology, energy and chemical industry, investments, transport and logistics, agriculture and healthcare, culture, tourism and sport were on agenda.

Timur Suleimenov, the Kazakh Vice Minister of Economic Development and Trade, in his opening statement noted that "Italy has become the main strategic partner of Kazakhstan in Europe." The volume of commodity circulation amounted to USD 11.2 billion last year. It makes 12.5 percent of the total foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan create favorable conditions for foreign investors. We are consistently working to improve the business environment, simplify tax, licensing and control and audit systems," Suleimenov stressed.

Upon results of the meeting the working group signed a final protocol. After the meeting delegations of the two states gather for the economic forum. The delegation o Italy was headed by Vice Minister of Economic Development Stefano Saglia.