U.S. Embassy Press Attaché commented on the initiative to introduce utilization fee for agricultural machinery in Kazakhstan

Photo by: nur.kz

The introduction of the utilization fee for agricultural machinery will have a negative impact on the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan. This opinion was expressed by Sean Boda, press attaché of the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, in an exclusive comment to World of Nan.

"The U.S. Embassy is concerned that the utilization fee for agricultural machinery may prevent the supply of high-tech American equipment to the Kazakh market, which is not quite to the benefit of Kazakhstan. The U.S. agricultural machinery manufacturers, in cooperation with local importers, are providing technological solutions that make a significant contribution to the development and modernization of Kazakhstan's agricultural sector, as well as reducing its dependence on outdated technology and import of cheaper, lower quality equipment," stated Sean Boda.

He noted that Kazakhstan has wisely placed the agricultural sector at the forefront of its efforts to diversify the economy, which is very important given the current economic situation.

"However, we believe that the utilization fee will inhibit the growth of the non-oil sector and impede the introduction of more advanced agricultural technologies in Kazakhstan. We hope that the Government of Kazakhstan will take this into account when considering the consequences of the introduction of the utilization fee," he emphasized.

To recall, on 8 May, leading industry associations in Kazakhstan opposed the introduction of the utilization fee for agricultural machinery. According to them, such an initiative will have severe impact on agriculture and the economy of Kazakhstan, as well as cause irreparable damage to farmers, depriving them of access to modern high-performance equipment.