Interview with Michael Roee, Chairman of the Israel-Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce: "Kazakhstan Can Feed a Billion People – The Key is Unlocking Its Potential"
Q: Michael, you’ve often spoken about Kazakhstan’s agricultural potential. What makes the country so unique?
Kazakhstan is extraordinary. It’s a country with vast agricultural resources and fertile lands that could feed up to a billion people. But as your President has said, potential alone isn’t enough—it must be realized through smart planning and innovation.
Take the Turkestan region, specifically the Ordabasy district. This area has 75,000 hectares of irrigated land—half of what Israel uses for its entire irrigated agricultural sector. The scale is breathtaking, but the key lies in implementing the right technologies and strategies to make the most of these resources.
Q: How does processed agriculture, such as tomato paste production, fit into this vision?
Processing is essential for creating value. Kazakhstan is already a major producer of raw agricultural commodities, but moving into processing adds a new dimension to its economy.
For instance, establishing full-cycle tomato paste production plants transforms raw materials into high-value exportable goods. This doesn’t just boost GDP—it positions Kazakhstan as a competitive player in the global market for processed foods.
Q: Israel has a well-known reputation in agricultural innovation. How can its experience benefit Kazakhstan?
Israel’s success story is a blueprint for overcoming natural limitations and turning them into strengths.
Here’s what Kazakhstan can learn from Israel:
Kazakhstan doesn’t need to copy Israel but can adapt these proven approaches to its unique conditions.
Q: Which regions in Kazakhstan have the most potential for such transformations?
Several regions stand out: Almaty, Zhambyl, Turkestan, and Kyzylorda. Their climate and soil conditions are remarkably similar to those in Israel, making them ideal for agriculture and innovation.
When I visited Ordabasy, I was struck by its potential. It’s half the size of Israel’s irrigated agricultural land, yet it has the capacity to produce incredible results if supported by the right technologies and infrastructure.
Q: How important is government support in realizing this potential?
Government support is absolutely critical. In Kazakhstan, there are already tax incentives, infrastructure investments, and policies aimed at fostering agricultural growth.
By further encouraging initiatives like building processing plants, modernizing irrigation systems, and automating agricultural operations, Kazakhstan can attract both domestic and foreign investments.
Q: What role can collaboration between Kazakhstan and Israel play in this transformation?
The collaboration between Kazakhstan and Israel can create a powerful synergy. Kazakhstan offers vast resources and fertile land, while Israel provides cutting-edge technology and expertise.
Specifically, Israel can contribute by:
This partnership isn’t just about technology transfer—it’s about building long-term cooperation that benefits both nations.
Q: How do you envision Kazakhstan’s future in the global agricultural market?
Kazakhstan has the potential to become a global leader in agriculture. By focusing on processing and innovation, it can not only meet domestic needs but also export to high-demand markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The shift from raw commodities to high-value goods is where the true economic transformation lies. Tomato paste production, bioethanol, starch, and other processed products can create a diversified export portfolio that positions Kazakhstan as a major player on the global stage.
Q: Any final thoughts or advice for Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector?
Kazakhstan is at the tipping point of an agricultural revolution. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and partnerships, it can unlock its full potential.
Israel stands ready to collaborate, bringing its expertise and technologies to support Kazakhstan’s journey. Together, we can create a model for sustainable agriculture that not only feeds millions but also drives economic growth and stability for years to come.
Michael Roee, Chairman of the Israel-Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce.
Q: Michael, you’ve often spoken about Kazakhstan’s agricultural potential. What makes the country so unique?
Kazakhstan is extraordinary. It’s a country with vast agricultural resources and fertile lands that could feed up to a billion people. But as your President has said, potential alone isn’t enough—it must be realized through smart planning and innovation.
Take the Turkestan region, specifically the Ordabasy district. This area has 75,000 hectares of irrigated land—half of what Israel uses for its entire irrigated agricultural sector. The scale is breathtaking, but the key lies in implementing the right technologies and strategies to make the most of these resources.
Q: How does processed agriculture, such as tomato paste production, fit into this vision?
Processing is essential for creating value. Kazakhstan is already a major producer of raw agricultural commodities, but moving into processing adds a new dimension to its economy.
For instance, establishing full-cycle tomato paste production plants transforms raw materials into high-value exportable goods. This doesn’t just boost GDP—it positions Kazakhstan as a competitive player in the global market for processed foods.
Q: Israel has a well-known reputation in agricultural innovation. How can its experience benefit Kazakhstan?
Israel’s success story is a blueprint for overcoming natural limitations and turning them into strengths.
Here’s what Kazakhstan can learn from Israel:
- Advanced irrigation technologies: Israel’s precision irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, maximize water efficiency and increase yields, even in arid conditions.
- High-value processing: Israel exports agricultural products worth over $1.5 billion annually by focusing on high-value goods rather than raw materials.
- Water management expertise: Israel covers 90% of its water needs through desalination, wastewater recycling, and cutting-edge management systems. These solutions are essential for sustainable agricultural growth.
Kazakhstan doesn’t need to copy Israel but can adapt these proven approaches to its unique conditions.
Q: Which regions in Kazakhstan have the most potential for such transformations?
Several regions stand out: Almaty, Zhambyl, Turkestan, and Kyzylorda. Their climate and soil conditions are remarkably similar to those in Israel, making them ideal for agriculture and innovation.
When I visited Ordabasy, I was struck by its potential. It’s half the size of Israel’s irrigated agricultural land, yet it has the capacity to produce incredible results if supported by the right technologies and infrastructure.
Q: How important is government support in realizing this potential?
Government support is absolutely critical. In Kazakhstan, there are already tax incentives, infrastructure investments, and policies aimed at fostering agricultural growth.
By further encouraging initiatives like building processing plants, modernizing irrigation systems, and automating agricultural operations, Kazakhstan can attract both domestic and foreign investments.
Q: What role can collaboration between Kazakhstan and Israel play in this transformation?
The collaboration between Kazakhstan and Israel can create a powerful synergy. Kazakhstan offers vast resources and fertile land, while Israel provides cutting-edge technology and expertise.
Specifically, Israel can contribute by:
- Supplying irrigation and water management technologies tailored for Kazakhstan’s climate.
- Partnering on processing facilities to turn raw materials into export-ready products like tomato paste or bioethanol.
- Offering training and consulting: Israeli experts can help Kazakhstan’s agricultural specialists implement advanced practices.
This partnership isn’t just about technology transfer—it’s about building long-term cooperation that benefits both nations.
Q: How do you envision Kazakhstan’s future in the global agricultural market?
Kazakhstan has the potential to become a global leader in agriculture. By focusing on processing and innovation, it can not only meet domestic needs but also export to high-demand markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The shift from raw commodities to high-value goods is where the true economic transformation lies. Tomato paste production, bioethanol, starch, and other processed products can create a diversified export portfolio that positions Kazakhstan as a major player on the global stage.
Q: Any final thoughts or advice for Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector?
Kazakhstan is at the tipping point of an agricultural revolution. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and partnerships, it can unlock its full potential.
Israel stands ready to collaborate, bringing its expertise and technologies to support Kazakhstan’s journey. Together, we can create a model for sustainable agriculture that not only feeds millions but also drives economic growth and stability for years to come.
Michael Roee, Chairman of the Israel-Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce.