AKIPRESS.COM - Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin and Minister of Economy and Finance of France Bruno Le Maire took part in the signing ceremony of Memorandums between the Kazakh and Frenchh companies today, the press service of the Prime Minister reported.

The deals were signed between Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Bpifrance Investment Company on joint investment and between the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, KazMunaiGas National Company and Total on digital technology.

During the talks, current issues and prospects for trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and France were discussed.

“France is a key trade and economic partner in the European Union,” said Askar Mamin.

France is among the top five countries in terms of direct investment in the Kazakh economy. From 2005 to 2018, the volume of French investments in the economy of Kazakhstan exceeded $15 billion. In 2018, trade turnover grew by 32.5% to $4.5 billion.

More than 130 enterprises with participation of French capital, including Total, Orano, Danone, Vikat, Peugeot, Alstom, which implement high-tech projects, operate in Kazakhstan.

“We have a great potential in agriculture. Joint projects with French companies Danone, Lactalis and Soufllet can be called the “success stories.” Kazakhstan is a promising place for doing business in terms of environmentally friendly production and access to the capacious markets of the countries of the EAEU and the PRC,” said Askar Mamin.

“Kazakhstan is the leading partner of France in Central Asia,” said Le Maire said.