President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a working visit to Washington, United States, met with the Chief Executive Officer of the American corporation Mars, Poul Weihrauch, and endorsed a major investment project that became one of the key outcomes of negotiations between the Kazakh side and international business representatives. As a result, an investment agreement worth approximately 180 million US dollars was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mars. The agreement provides for the construction of a modern pet food manufacturing plant in the new city of Alatau in the Almaty region.

According to Tokayev, the launch of such an enterprise marks the beginning of a strategically important partnership, reflecting the high level of Kazakhstan–U.S. cooperation and supporting the country’s course toward economic diversification through the development of the manufacturing sector. The Head of State noted that the project will contribute to the deep processing of agricultural raw materials, increase added value, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the regional market.

The CEO of Mars expressed gratitude to the Kazakh leadership for supporting the project and emphasized that the new plant will serve as an important platform for expanding the company’s presence in Central Asia and neighboring regions. Weihrauch also noted that expanding production in Kazakhstan aligns with Mars’s global strategy to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and develop new business направления.

The project has received wide attention in business circles, as Mars is one of the world’s largest private corporations, known not only for its confectionery brands but also for its leading positions in the pet care segment under brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin. Experts attribute the company’s decision to choose Kazakhstan for the new plant to the country’s strategic geographic location, the potential of its agricultural sector, and growing demand for high value-added products both domestically and in export markets.

 

The launch of the production complex in Alatau, which is planned to develop into one of the country’s new economic growth centers, could strengthen Kazakhstan’s export potential and enhance its attractiveness to foreign investors. Analysts also note that such large-scale projects contribute to infrastructure development, job creation, and the strengthening of international economic ties at a time when the state is actively working to attract capital and modernize its industrial base.

#KAZAKHSTAN

#USA

20.02.2026 10:05