Kazakhstan and the Dutch company Damen Shipyards Group have reached an agreement to establish shipbuilding yards in the western regions of Kazakhstan, signing a memorandum of cooperation.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration, the discussions between the parties went beyond shipbuilding. They also addressed the potential use of the Port of Rotterdam as a means to further expand Kazakhstan’s export capabilities, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

In addition, the sides explored possible joint initiatives in the fields of agrotechnology and greenhouse farming, reflecting a broader scope of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The total value of the agreements is estimated at €160 million.

Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Damen Shipyards is not a new development. In previous years, a subsidiary of KazMunayGas purchased two oil tankers constructed at Damen Shipyards’ facilities.

These vessels are currently operating on the Aktau-Baku route and are contributing to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.