Kazakhstan’s 2011 trade turnover with the EU stands at $50 billion

Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with the EU in 2011 totaled $50 billion, Newskaz.ru reports, citing President Nazarbayev. “The EU is a major trade partner for Kazakhstan. Last year’s trade turnover [with the EU] of $50 billion made up 40% of the entire Kazakhstan’s foreign trade”, President said April 25 after Aurélia BOUCHEZ, the new EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, presented her credentials. According to the State Agency for Statistics, in January – December 2010 Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with the EU slightly exceeded $38 billion, 31.9% up against the like period of 2009. “It is gratifying that Kazakhstan and the EU have been maintaining a multifaceted strategic partnership. Interaction between Kazakhstan and the EU is based on mutual interests in terms of global and regional security, economy, energy, trade and investments. Currently a key issue for Kazakhstan is a new agreement on expanded partnership (…) I hope the new ambassador will facilitate [signing of respective agreements]”, President said.