The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has launched investigations related to supplies of Kazakhstani products to the European Union (EU). The checks concern the export of down, feathers, as well as animal or vegetable fats and oils.
WHAT THE EU IS INVESTIGATING
According to BES.media, in Brussels, the Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Zhanel Kushukova, met with the Head of OLAF, Petr Klement. The parties discussed investigations concerning supplies of Kazakhstani products.
It is not yet known exactly what violations European specialists are checking. The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan did not specify which companies have fallen under the investigation or what volumes of exports are affected.
HOW KAZAKHSTAN RESPONDED
The Kazakhstani delegation presented OLAF with information about domestic producers and their plans for exporting products.
Representatives of the country emphasised the importance of preserving access to the European market for bona fide Kazakhstani companies. Kazakhstan also expressed its readiness to ensure transparency in trade operations and to comply with EU legal requirements.
WHAT THE PARTIES AGREED
Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and OLAF agreed to continue exchanging information and cooperating on investigations.
The Kazakhstani side also invited representatives of the European agency to visit the enterprises whose products feature in the checks.
The timelines for completing the investigations and the possible consequences for Kazakhstani exporters are not yet known.
