|
The Central Asian nation, whose territory was once part of the
Mongol Empire, wants to more than double exports of foodstuffs
and other processes agricultural products over the next five
years, Yevniyev told a government meeting.
He said meat production was a particularly promising area that
could generate up to $2.6 billion in annual export revenue and
presented his ministry's plans to overhaul the industry's
management and subsidy system.
"Genghis Khan can be considered the founder of project
management," he said unexpectedly, livening up the meeting which
was broadcast online.
Yevniyev then recalled the organizational structure of the
Mongol army, divided into three wings and units of tens,
hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands.
"Using this approach, Genghis Khan conquered half of the world
with his army," he said. "We will conquer (markets) with meat
and other agricultural products."
According to Yevniyev's presentation, the biggest potential
markets for Kazakh meat are China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam
and Russia - which are coincidentally the directions of the
medieval Mongol conquest.
Breeding livestock was the main occupation of the ancestors of
today's Kazakhs - when they were not busy shooting arrows from
horseback at opposing armies. Yevniyev said this nomadic
heritage was another competitive advantage.
Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev urged caution with the use
of bellicose metaphors.
"You've mentioned Genghis Khan - I hope we do not scare our
neighbors," he said with a laugh.
The Mongol ruler is a revered figure in the former Soviet
republic of 18 million where a significant number of people
trace their lineage directly to him.
(Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Alison Williams)
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
