On August 27, Shymkent Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov met with representatives of the Qatari company Power International Holding (PIH) . PIH is one of the largest and fastest-growing conglomerates in the Persian Gulf, successfully operating in energy, telecommunications, construction, and agriculture. The main topic of discussion was the participation of investors in major projects in Shymkent, with agriculture playing a prominent role.

Investors' interest in the agricultural sector is no coincidence. Shymkent has traditionally been considered a key location on the country's map for the effective development of livestock and crop production. The region's climate is favorable for growing vegetables, melons, and horticulture. In recent years, greenhouse acreage has been rapidly expanding, and dairy and meat processing is developing. However, a qualitative leap requires new technologies, infrastructure, and significant investment. This is precisely what our Qatari partners are prepared to offer.

The parties discussed several areas of potential cooperation. Primarily, they discussed the creation of modern greenhouse complexes, the implementation of drip irrigation systems, and the construction of logistics centers and long-term storage warehouses. Another important element was the investors' intention to support projects to build water treatment facilities, which are directly related to providing farmers with water and preserving fertile land.

This issue is particularly pressing given that the region has been facing water shortages in recent years. Dry seasons have negatively impacted crop yields and farmers' incomes. Therefore, the construction of modern water treatment plants and the implementation of efficient water use technologies are considered key areas for future partnership.

It's important to note that the meeting with PIH continued Shymkent's commitment to attracting foreign investment. Over the years, the city has hosted delegations from Turkey, China, Uzbekistan, and Europe. For example, in 2022, Turkish and Chinese entrepreneurs visited Shymkent, interested in meat export opportunities. However, most of these initiatives remained at the negotiation stage. In 2023, a joint project with Uzbek companies in the greenhouse business was implemented, bringing more vegetables to the market and stabilizing prices during the winter and spring. In 2024, organic farming initiatives were discussed with European investors, but these were ad hoc.

Unlike previous projects, the Qatari company's proposal appears more comprehensive and long-term. While previous initiatives focused primarily on a single area, PIH views Shymkent as a platform for multi-sector investments: from hospitality and tourism to metallurgy and agriculture. This approach enhances resilience and ensures that even if one sector fluctuates, others will continue to operate.

The benefits of cooperation for agriculture are obvious. First, it modernizes production facilities and introduces new technologies. Second, it provides access to international markets: Qatari partners have extensive connections in the Persian Gulf, opening up new export niches for Kazakh agricultural producers. Third, it creates jobs: the new complexes and enterprises will employ thousands of residents of both the city and surrounding areas.

The environmental aspect shouldn't be forgotten either. The use of modern technologies will reduce the burden on soil and water resources, which is especially important for Shymkent, where the population density and land pressure are significantly higher than in many other regions.

History shows that the success of such initiatives depends on local support. This time, the city mayor emphasized his readiness to fully support the implementation of the planned projects and instructed the relevant departments to thoroughly present the city's full capabilities to investors. This means that cooperation will not be limited to mere declarations, but will be based on clear plans and mechanisms.

Comparing this meeting with previous ones, it can be said that Shymkent is entering a new phase of investment policy. While previously the focus was on individual agreements with limited impact, now a systemic approach is being pursued. Agriculture is becoming a central element, as the agricultural sector can ensure the sustainable development of not only the city but the entire southern part of the country.

Thus, August 27 can be considered a significant milestone for Shymkent. The visit of Power International Holding representatives demonstrated that international investors see real potential for long-term cooperation in the city. If the announced initiatives are successfully implemented, Shymkent could become one of the centers of Kazakhstan's agricultural development, strengthening the country's position in regional and global food markets.

For city residents, this means new jobs, for farmers, modern technology and stable sales of their produce, and for the city as a whole, a strengthened economic base and increased investment attractiveness. Compared to previous initiatives, the current visit of Qatari investors appears the most promising and could provide the impetus Shymkent has been waiting for for many years.