Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with PepsiCo Foundation Chairman of the Board Steven Cahillane and Amazon Senior Vice President David Zapolsky, according to Akorda.
President meets Chairman of the PepsiCo Foundation
During the meeting, the implementation of PepsiCo’s investment project in Kazakhstan was discussed. In particular, the globally recognized brand has begun constructing a snack production plant in the Almaty region, with an investment volume of $368 million.
Photo by Akorda press service
“The President emphasized the expected economic impact of the project. In addition to creating approximately 900 permanent jobs, the company plans to fully localize potato cultivation for chips production. According to Steven Cahillane, about 15 farms from the Pavlodar, Akmola, Karaganda, Almaty, and Zhetysu regions have already joined the program,” Akorda’s press service reported.
The project also includes expanding raw material storage facilities and developing scientific approaches to improve potato yield and quality.
Welcoming PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, President Tokayev assured that the government of Kazakhstan and the local akimat would provide comprehensive support to ensure the timely launch of production.
“One of the largest food and snack production plants in PepsiCo’s system will be built in Kazakhstan. Mr. President, thank you for the warm welcome. We especially appreciate that this was your first meeting in New York today. Investing in Kazakhstan is one of our most significant projects and a source of pride in the region. We look forward to the plant’s opening and reaching full capacity—hopefully by June next year,” said Steven Cahillane during the meeting.
President meets Amazon Senior Vice President David Zapolsky
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Amazon’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel David Zapolsky discussed prospects for cooperation in digitalization, connectivity, and artificial intelligence.
Photo by Akorda press service
The President welcomed Amazon’s plans to carry out joint projects with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the company Kazakhtelecom.
“The cooperation covers strategically important areas such as ensuring access to high-speed broadband internet across the country and strengthening cybersecurity. Amazon views Kazakhstan not only as a key site for national projects but also as a potential regional hub for satellite communications,” Akorda noted.
As part of President Tokayev’s working visit to New York, Kazakhtelecom and Amazon Kuiper signed a distribution agreement for access to the Kuiper satellite network.
Under this agreement, Amazon Kuiper plans to deploy ground infrastructure in Almaty, Akkol, and Aktau, with planned investments of around $200 million.
The project is being implemented in line with the President’s directive to develop digital infrastructure and ensure equal access to modern telecommunication services across all regions of the country.
As a reminder, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is currently on a working visit to the United States. The Head of State is scheduled to speak at the General Debate of the 80th Anniversary Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations are also planned.