NUR-SULTAN, Mar 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Kazakhstan suspended exports of socially significant food products, since Mar 22, to guarantee domestic supply, Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration, Bakhyt Sultanov, said.
The banned products include buckwheat, wheat and rye flour, sugar, potatoes, carrots, turnips, beets, onions, cabbages, sunflower seeds and oil.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, the ban is valid until Apr 15, 2020.
Along with the export ban, Kazakhstan also reduces the value-added tax on agricultural products, and imposes zero duty on imports of critical food products.
Sultanov said, as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to ensure uninterrupted supply on domestic market. “There should always be bread, milk, cereals and meat on the tables of Kazakhstanis,” said Sultanov, adding that, the country will introduce regulations to control prices of socially significant goods.
Kazakhstan reported 72 confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of Tuesday, and shut down two of its largest cities.– NNN-AGENCIES
