On October 22 in Brussels, Belgium, a Kazakhstani delegation led by Zhanеl Kushukova, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a meeting with Petr Klement, Director-General of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
The meeting took place following the initiation of OLAF investigations into supplies of Kazakhstani down and feathers, as well as animal or vegetable fats and oils, to the European Union.
During the meeting, OLAF representatives provided an update on the ongoing investigations. In turn, the Kazakhstani side presented information on domestic manufacturers of the products concerned, their ongoing production programmes, and the companies’ interest in continuing exports to the EU market. The meeting with OLAF representatives at this stage of the investigations provided an opportunity to convey Kazakhstan’s position to its European partners.
The parties also emphasized the importance of cooperation in ensuring unimpeded access to the European Union market for bona fide Kazakhstani exporters. The Kazakhstani delegation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency in foreign trade operations and compliance with EU legislation.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to exchange the necessary information in the near future and continue their constructive dialogue. The Kazakhstani side also invited OLAF representatives to visit the Republic of Kazakhstan and familiarize themselves with the operations of the companies concerned as part of the ongoing investigations.
