BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. Kazakhstan and
the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) discussed issues of bilateral
cooperation, ongoing investigations into specific exports, and
measures to ensure unhindered access for legitimate Kazakh
exporters to the European Union market, according to the Ministry
of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
The discussions took place during a meeting in Brussels,
Belgium, on October 22 between a Kazakh delegation led by Vice
Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Zhanel Kushukova
and Head of OLAF Petr Klement.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of investigations
initiated by OLAF regarding the supply of Kazakh down, feathers,
and animal or vegetable fats and oils to the European Union.
During the meeting, OLAF representatives provided information on
the progress of the investigations. In turn, the Kazakh side
presented details regarding domestic manufacturers of the specified
products, ongoing production programs, and the strong interest of
Kazakh enterprises in continuing exports to the EU market.
According to the ministry, holding discussions with OLAF
representatives at this stage of the investigations enabled the
Kazakh side to clearly convey its position to European
partners.
Furthermore, both parties emphasized the importance of close
cooperation to ensure unimpeded access for compliant Kazakh
exporters to the EU market. The Kazakh delegation reaffirmed its
full commitment to ensuring transparency in foreign trade
operations and adhering to EU legislative requirements.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to exchange the
necessary information in the near future and maintain a
constructive dialogue. The Kazakh side also invited OLAF
representatives to visit Kazakhstan to inspect the operations of
local enterprises as part of the ongoing investigations.
