Food exports in the Republic of Kazakhstan: increasing volumes and strengthening positions

Kazakhstan's unique geopolitical landscape positions it as important supplier of agri-food products to international markets. This sector plays vital role in the country's export earnings. As global economy develops and modern standards become more stringent, assessing export potential of agro-industrial complex is becoming increasingly important. The goal is to study the prospects and strategies for increasing export potential of the republic's agricultural sector through comprehensive analysis of internal and external factors shaping this industry. The research methods are based on analysis of the works of scientists and the use of United Nations data. Results - modern strategies are summarized and practical recommendations are developed. The article examines the reserves and conceptual approaches to increasing food exports of the Republic of Kazakhstan by identifying key criteria influencing strengthening of this vital product segment. Assessment of existing practices is given, as well as proposals for their implementation. The article shows possibilities of increasing the volume of exported agricultural and food products to improve the competitiveness of national agro-food system. Method for calculating universal indicators reflecting structural shifts in agro-industrial production is presented. Conclusions - there is insufficient diversification of supplies of Kazakhstani food products and this trend has been maintained for a long time. In addition, analysis of dynamics of the level of structural shifts in Kazakhstan's foreign trade demonstrated stabilization of organizational mechanism for regulating domestic agro-food exports, strengthening its specialization and concentration. Nevertheless, significant part of exported goods consists of agricultural raw materials, which negatively affects prospects of agrofood trade policy.