Kazakhstan and Belgium plan joint linseed processing venture

Kazakhstan and Belgium’s Vandeputte Group are discussing the creation of a joint linseed processing venture in Kazakhstan. The parties aim to move beyond raw material trade towards deeper industrial cooperation and the production of higher value-added products.

One area of cooperation could involve localizing linseed oil production using Belgian technology and expertise. Technology transfer in oleochemicals and feed products is also being considered. In the longer term, the partnership envisages establishing a joint venture for integrated linseed processing in Kazakhstan.

Major Kazakh agricultural producers, including Harvest Agro, Alem Agro and Olzha Agro, could be involved in the supply chain. Cooperation may include long-term linseed supply contracts, efforts to improve yields and quality standards, as well as the development of export logistics to Belgium and other EU countries.

Belgium is already one of the key markets for Kazakh linseed. In 2025, the value of Kazakhstan’s linseed exports to Belgium more than doubled to $164.4 mln. Between September 2025 and May 2026, Kazakhstan shipped a record 309.5 thsd tons of linseed to Belgium, accounting for 28% of the country’s total linseed exports.

Vandeputte Group has worked with Kazakhstan for almost 20 years, with Kazakh linseed serving as a key feedstock for its processing operations. The company processes around 120 thsd tons of linseed annually. Establishing processing capacity in Kazakhstan would allow the country to gradually shift from exporting raw linseed towards higher value-added processed products.

Tags: Kazakhstan, Belgium, linseed