We have a strong interest in EXPO-2017 and Kazakhstan in general; it's not by chance our delegation includes reps of 70 companies in high technology - Latvian President Andris Berzins

As noted during the meeting with the President of Latvia President by Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Kazakh and the Latvian people have always respected each other, providing mutual support.

During the visit President A.Berzins in an interview with our correspondent briefly shared his vision for the future development of the Kazakh-Latvian cooperation.

- Mr. President, during your visit to Astana you have had a series of meetings, including the one with the head of our state Nursultan Nazarbayev. How do you assess the results of the negotiations, as well as the business forum?

- Of course, my visit has been very fruitful. During the meeting with the Prime Minister Akhmetov we have signed three agreements. The first, and I think, the most important thing is on cooperation in the sphere of education and science. Second is on cooperation in the field of environmental protection, where you have a great program. This is a very wide range of issues, and it makes sense for us to exchange views and share experience. We are, by the way, familiar with the experience of the EU in this area. Third is the agreement on cooperation in tourism sphere. It is also very important, because, other than business, it concerns working out contacts between people of the two countries.

- The forum touched upon transfer of modern technology. Has Latvia the potential to assist our country in this area?

- Your country is actively collaborating with many countries in various fields. It is important that you have a source of raw materials and at the same time, your country needs new technologies. Our delegation, who came to participate in a business forum in Astana, has just gathered representatives of companies that have not previously worked in Kazakhstan, but they are working in a variety of industries related to high technology. During the month we will sum up the forum's findings and we will probably invite representatives of the Kazakh side. It is necessary, because specific channels are needed through which you can transfer technology.

- As you know, in our country, there is an actual large program of forced industrialization. We are interested in Latvia's practice in processing of agricultural products. Are Latvian businesses going to participate in projects in Kazakhstan?

- Speaking of agricultural product processing, we have gained some experience in this area, and this industry is being developed. Even in Soviet times Latvia had a great deal of enterprises in meat, milk and fish processing. Now in Kazakhstan, as in many other countries, a lot of canned fish of Latvian production is sold. We have been exporting them to Western Europe. Of course, now new technology for processing meat and milk are being introduced.

We know that Kazakhstan has ambitious plans to increase production of agricultural products. If the intention is to develop the industry on their processing, you need to be warned beforehand that the products should comply with European standards. Otherwise, you can face obstacles to market these products. But you've already made some of the products according to European standards. For example, Kazakh yoghurt does not differ from the one manufactured in Europe. Of course, the exchange of know-how can be useful for our country - we have some practice of trading with Europe, and you have it with China.

- What, in your view, are the prospects for tourism development between Kazakhstan and Latvia?

- As we noted in a conversation with Kazakh President, our two countries have long-standing historical ties, but the time is going, we are developing. Therefore, I believe, we have good prospects for tourism. Of course, one needs to carry out some work, for example, to organize direct flights solving a lot of other issues.

- How important for Latvia is the transit of goods through the territory of Kazakhstan?

- There is no doubt that Asia, especially China, in the foreseeable future will grow faster than other regions. Therefore, transit of goods from Europe to China is very important. If deep and strong ties have been set up, the business itself will evolve choosing the best direction.

- Will Latvia be exhibiting at EXPO-2017 in Astana?

- Yes, we are planning to take part in the event, we have received an official invitation. This is a good opportunity to showcase our achievements, because EXPO-2017 is an exhibition of the world level. And Kazakhstan, as I understand it, has big plans - for the exhibition it has allocated 100 hectares.

We are already getting prepared, and there is enough time for it. We intend to show the best, our companies have a very keen interest in the exhibition and in Kazakhstan, in general. No coincidence that our delegation has representatives of 70 companies. We are going to discuss all issues with your Ambassador, he is a very experienced person. It is necessary to select the most promising areas.

- During the talk with President Nazarbayev you discussed the possibility of bringing trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Latvia to half a billion dollars, whereas today it is $ 350 million.

- I think that it is possible, in any case, the rate of growth in turnover gives hope for it. Our main markets are neighboring countries. First of all, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and Russia. Then Sweden, Finland, and Poland. There, we do not expect a big increase in turnover, but with your country we are having such a prospect. Of course, it all depends on us.

- Kazakhstan is interested in increasing its transit of goods through the ports of Latvia on the Baltic Sea. Is it beneficial for Latvia?

- Kazakh President and the Prime Minister, when speaking of transit through Latvian ports, are aiming for the future. There are now under construction hundreds of thousands of kilometers of railways and roads, the rates are very high. Of course, if the goods from China are in the center of Europe in less than two weeks, instead of one and a half months, as it happens now, it is very beneficial for the business. But, in any case, investments are needed. In Latvia we also have a program of railway development, there is a plan to build a new railway that will link the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean - in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, perhaps, Finland. Such a road would create greater benefits and convenience to all of these countries and, of course, they can participate in this project.

- Thank you for the interview, Mr. Berzins.