Russian Meat Smuggling: Kazakhstani Processors Report Market Problems
Photo is illustrative in nature. From open sources.
Azamat Shalmagambetov, HEAD of a MEAT processing company, noted that Russians are importing beef and horse meat, especially to the northern regions and Astana. This offers consumers an advantage due to low prices, but behind it lies a smuggling scheme that allows them to evade tax obligations.
According to Shalmagambetov, a veterinary EXPORT certificate is issued at the border for crossing, after which the meat is sold at local markets for cash. This allows Russian companies to profit while avoiding tax requirements . At the same time, local entrepreneurs face fierce competition and risk losing their businesses to foreign imports.
Meat processing experts discuss the negative impacts of smuggling on the market and the need to protect domestic producers.
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