KAZAKH INVEST and Polpharma Group Sign Memorandum on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Development in Kazakhstan
Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "NC KAZAKH INVEST" Azamat Kozhanov held a meeting with CEO of Polpharma Group Markus W. Sieger, during which a memorandum of cooperation was signed for the implementation of a new investment project by SANTO Member of Polpharma Group in Kazakhstan.
The primary goal of the memorandum is to ensure patient access to essential medicines in Kazakhstan and to meet the needs of the healthcare system. Polpharma Group aims to expand its presence in new therapeutic areas, including diabetology, oncology, and other key segments, which will help improve access to treatment and foster healthcare innovation.
The project involves the production of new pharmaceutical products targeting both domestic and international markets. It will introduce new therapeutic categories for SANTO, launch new production lines, invest in R&D, and enhance employee expertise. The total investment will exceed €55 million, with a project duration of 10 years. Around 300 new jobs will be created, and staff will undergo training based on best practices in the pharmaceutical industry, covering R&D, manufacturing, and logistics.
The company also expressed its intention to sign an Investment Agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan in the future to receive state support and facilitation in project implementation.
In his remarks, A. Kozhanov highlighted the strategic importance of the project for developing the national pharmaceutical industry and confirmed KAZAKH INVEST’s readiness to provide comprehensive support at all stages of implementation.
"Pharmaceuticals are a priority sector for Kazakhstan. We are witnessing a new chapter in its development, with major pharmaceutical companies expanding their manufacturing capacity. This reflects the growth and strengthening of the entire sector. SANTO Member of Polpharma Group is a recognized leader in the country with strong export potential. We are interested in localizing advanced production that not only supports the domestic market but also strengthens Kazakhstan’s regional presence. Supporting such projects is a key step toward building a sustainable and innovative healthcare system," he noted.
Markus Sieger emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan’s strategic focus on developing its pharmaceutical industry:
"We are aware that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the goal of increasing the share of locally produced medicines to 50% in Kazakhstan, and we believe this is a vital initiative. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of resilient domestic supply chains in the social sector. Our goal is not only to expand production in Kazakhstan but also to use the country as an export hub for major markets," he stated.
SANTO Member of Polpharma Group has already established itself as a reliable manufacturing partner and industry leader in the region. The company currently holds six GMP certificates and has undergone European Union inspections, anticipating the GMP EU certificate, which will open access for both the company and Kazakhstan to EU markets, strengthening the country’s export potential.
Polpharma Group is actively expanding in Central Asia, recognizing the region’s strong growth potential. In 2024, 12% of the company’s total sales came from Central Asian countries, with this figure continuing to grow. The development of a pharmaceutical hub in Kazakhstan will not only enhance the country's domestic market position but also broaden export opportunities. These new investments and the acquisition of the GMP EU certificate will help Kazakhstan improve its global pharmaceutical competitiveness, reduce import dependence, and strengthen national pharmaceutical security.
