Kazakhstan, Qatar may raise mutual trade to $500 mln soon - Kazakh president

ASTANA. Feb 14 (Interfax) - Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Qatar could reach $500 million in the near future, with Kazakh exports growing by $250 million, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was cited by his press service as saying following talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"The president noted Kazakhstan's readiness to increase the export of 60 non-resource goods to Qatar by a total amount of $250 million. He also proposed bringing mutual trade to $500 million in the near future," the press service said.

Tokayev also expects Qatar to join the top ten investors in Kazakhstan soon.

The Kazakh president called on Qatar to engage in joint efforts to develop the intermodal transport network connecting the Persian Gulf and Central Asia in order to boost economic activity in the region. It was noted that Kazakhstan is currently among the world's ten largest producers of wheat and flour and plans to increase its irrigated land area to 3 million hectares. Tokayev also said he sees grounds for expanding cooperation in agriculture.