Multilevel collaboration between Finland and Kazakhstan

Human Security Grid, co-ordinated by Kuopio Innovation Ltd., and the national Food Development Cluster (OSKE) hosted a delegation from Kazakhstan during their one week visit to Finland, which took place from 27th November to 2nd December 2011. The delegation got acquainted with the Finnish fisheries sector and the production chain.

The visit was initiated by the collaboration between the  Kazakh NGO Aral Tenizi and Finnish Ostrobothnian Fishermen’s Association; and University of Eastern Finland and Kazakh Research Institute of Fishery LLP. In addition to the above-mentioned organisations, Ulken Balyk LLP was part of the delegation.

– The delegation got acquainted with fish farming, fishing and fish processing products, technology and expertise in Finland. Our guests visited several actors in the Finnish fisheries sector, from businesses to education. Several collaboration areas were identified, explains Roseanna Avento, Project Manager of Human Security Grid.

– We thank the organisers for the extensive visit. During the week, we gained a lot of new information and got more openings for collaboration than we had expected, commented the leader of the delegation, Deputy Director General Serik Terikhmanov.

From educational collaboration to business opportunities

During the visit, Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (FGFRI) and the Kazakh Research Institute of Fishery LLP signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on aquaculture activities.

Training collaboration on many levels interests the Kazakhs – improving the fisheries economy, food safety and conservation of water bodies were topics discussed. The Fisheries and Environmental Insitute of Livia College presented their training activities. Possibilities are being explored for enacting exchange programmes and continuing education for fisheries professionals and fishermen. University of Eastern Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kazakh Research Institute of Fishery LLP in July 2011 to develop masters’ and doctoral-level education. Collaboration with local Kazakh Universities, to support this endeavor, is already underway.

In Vaasa, the delegation was impressed with modern fisheries techniques, technology and expertise. The delegation expressed their interest in enhancing collaboration between Finnish and Kazakh fishermen to enhance sustainable fisheries economy. Lindeman Ltd. closed a deal with NGO Aral Tenizi regarding the purchase of fisheries equipment and the delegation participated in the Finnish Ostrobothnian Fishermen’s Association’s Annual General Meeting.

The Kazakhs were also interested in the Finnish feed industry and production. Negotiations for collaboration were initiated during the visit.

Next visit in the spring

The delegation expressed their interest in returning in the spring to acquire further knowledge about operations and technology needed during spawning time of fish. In addition, the delegation wishes to meet with authorities, decision and policy-makers in the fisheries sector and also get acquainted with recreational fishing, its organisation and business opportunities.

– We welcome interested Finnish actors in the field to Kazkahstan to continue discussions and development of common collaborative projects and exchange of ideas, the delegation members summed up.

– The Food Development Cluster and Food Safety Management Finland have plenty to offer the Kazakh fisheries sector, from products and expertise in product development, process technology, packaging technology for perishable goods, to technical planning and execution. Actors in the Cluster are open for further discussion, says Programme Director Jukka Lähteenkorva.

Further information:

Roseanna Avento
Project Manager
Human Security Grid
Mobile: +358 50 379 5420
roseanna.avento(at)kuopioinnovation.fi

Jukka Lähteenkorva
Programme Director
Food Development Cluster
Mobile +358 40 543 6781
jukka.lahteenkorva(at)foodwest.fi