Drivers of non-primary exports: how Kostanay brands conquer global markets
JSC "Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan" (ECA, a subsidiary of JSC "Baiterek" National Managing Holding) organized a thematic press tour of key export-oriented enterprises in the Kostanay Region. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate the practical effectiveness of state support instruments for the manufacturing industry and the promotion of Kazakhstan’s non-resource exports.
ECA serves as the national development institution providing insurance protection against non-payment risks in foreign trade transactions, ensuring the security of export cycles, as well as offering pre-export and export trade financing.
The Kostanay Region holds a leading position in Kazakhstan in terms of deep processing of agricultural products. In 2025, Kazakhstan exported 8.1 million tons of processed agricultural products, of which 2.2 million tons (27.2%) were supplied by enterprises from the Kostanay Region.
Thanks to ECA’s support instruments, Kostanay-based producers implemented export projects worth more than KZT 16.5 billion in 2025 alone. Over the past five years, the total volume of support provided to the region has exceeded KZT 128 billion.
State financial and insurance mechanisms enable local enterprises to move away from a raw-material orientation, diversify production, and manufacture highly competitive products with high added value.
During the press tour, participants were introduced to the experience of modernization, implementation of advanced technologies, and expansion of export markets by the region’s largest enterprises:
• JSC Bayan Sulu – a flagship of Kazakhstan’s confectionery industry, producing more than 350 product lines. Exports account for 45% of the company’s total output. Its products are supplied to China, EAEU member states, Central Asia, and Europe. Growth has been driven by production modernization and active utilization of government support programs.
• Terra LLP – one of the largest vertically integrated agricultural holdings specializing in livestock breeding and crop production. The company manages 80,000 hectares of agricultural land and has a capacity exceeding 25,000 head of cattle. Through its “Terra Meat” brand, the company exports premium-quality beef to China, Uzbekistan, and other neighboring markets.
• Prombaza-7 LLP – an enterprise that successfully diversified its business operations. In 2020, the company launched a high-tech full-cycle plant producing refined and unrefined vegetable oils using advanced extraction technologies, while steadily expanding its export potential. The company manufactures sunflower, rapeseed, flaxseed, and other vegetable oils. A significant share of production is exported to international markets, including China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and others. Products are marketed under the “Lavra,” “Oil Sunny,” and “Harmony” brands.
ECA’s support covers key sectors of the economy, ranging from machinery manufacturing and metallurgy to the food industry, which is strategically important for the country’s food security. Products manufactured across Kazakhstan enjoy steady demand in Central Asia, China, Russia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
ECA Performance Highlights:
- In 2025, the Agency supported more than 120 domestic exporters with total support exceeding KZT 650 billion, including 20 companies receiving support for the first time.
- More than 70% of supported projects were implemented by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- The cumulative economic impact of supported initiatives is estimated at KZT 2.3 trillion.
- Over the past 10 years, the total volume of support has exceeded KZT 2 trillion, benefiting more than 350 exporters.
- In less than six months of 2026, the volume of support has already surpassed KZT 365 billion.
One of the most востребованных instruments has been pre-export financing, which provides working capital for the purchase of raw materials at a preferential interest rate of no more than 12.6% per annum through commercial banks and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
ECA emphasized that its strategic objective is to engage new enterprises, including SMEs, in foreign trade activities and minimize risks associated with entering new markets. In the medium term, ECA aims to align its products with international standards, introduce artificial intelligence technologies, and fully digitalize its services.
Today, interaction with businesses has been significantly simplified: application submission and status tracking are fully automated through the ECA personal account portal and the bgov.kz platform. In addition, the “Exporters Showcase” digital platform has been launched to promote Kazakhstani brands in international markets.
Any domestic enterprise engaged in the production and export of non-resource goods, works, or services may benefit from the services of the Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan.
