Kazakhstan rejects blind support for sanctions against Russia Deputy PM says

Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Integration, Serik Zhumangarin, has taken a firm stance on the issue of sanctions against Russia, stating that Astana will not blindly follow international sanctions, particularly when these measures threaten the interests of local businesses.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Zhumangarin specifically mentioned Kazakhstan's decision not to support the ban on the sale of ball bearings, which are categorized as dual-use goods due to their potential military applications, Caliber.Az reports.

He explained that these bearings are primarily manufactured to meet the specific demands of Eastern European and former Soviet Union markets, making them crucial for Kazakhstan's trade with those regions. "We will not allow our producers to be banned from trading," Zhumangarin emphasized, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting local industries from adverse effects.

Despite this, Zhumangarin acknowledged the necessity of complying with most of the sanctions imposed by Western countries, recognizing that Kazakhstan would not be able to withstand the economic pressure of defying these restrictions. He noted that several Kazakh companies, which have been targeted by sanctions, are already in the process of winding down their operations, indicating the severe impact of these international measures on the country's economy.