Olzhas Bektenov Discusses New Project for Expanding Pharmaceutical Production in Kazakhstan with Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Polpharma Group
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Jerzy Starak, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Polpharma Group, who visited Astana to participate in the 37th Plenary Session of the Foreign Investors’ Council.
The discussion focused on further cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly on increasing the share of domestically produced medicines in priority therapeutic areas critical to the public.
The parties reviewed the progress of a project to expand the JSC Chimpharm plant in Shymkent through the construction of new production facilities and laboratory buildings. In response to market demand, the plant plans to scale up production to 2 billion units of medicines annually under the brand SANTO, Member of Polpharma Group. The total investment volume for the project is $62.6 million, with 300 new jobs expected to be created.
Priority therapeutic areas for local production include socially significant diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic viral hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis, malignant tumors, diabetes, mental health disorders, diseases of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, and others.
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places special emphasis on the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry and the production of medical goods. We aim to increase the share of locally produced pharmaceuticals and medical products. Measures are being implemented to encourage localization of pharmaceutical production. Our key priorities include import substitution, medical technology transfer, and the development of scientific and export potential. The Government of Kazakhstan is fully committed to supporting the implementation of such socially significant industrial projects,” Olzhas Bektenov noted.
Jerzy Starak praised Kazakhstan’s investment climate and assured that the new manufacturing facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and that its products will fully comply with international pharmaceutical standards.
Following the talks, both parties reaffirmed their intent to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Health and the Akimat of Shymkent to promptly begin preparing the draft Investment Agreement for the construction of the new pharmaceutical production facility.
For reference: Polpharma Group’s total investment in JSC Chimpharm has exceeded $130 million, with more than 1,300 jobs created. The plant produces over 280 generic drugs across 12 pharmacotherapeutic groups. Its production is certified to international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards. Products are exported to Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and other countries. The Quality and Innovation Center, commissioned last year, allows for independent development and implementation of new drugs, strengthening Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical research capabilities. The company also partners with local educational institutions to train professionals for the national pharmaceutical industry.
