A new stage of the major pharmaceutical project Polpharma Santo, owned by Polish billionaire Jerzy Starak, is being launched in Shymkent. Phase one of the new facility will be launched by the end of 2029, creating 300 jobs and totaling $79.5 million in investment.
The government of Kazakhstan has already approved an investment agreement between the country’s Ministry of Health and Chimpharm. The document was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
The project is being implemented in line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions to reduce dependence on drug imports, strengthen the country’s drug security and attract investment into the industry by boosting domestic pharmaceutical production.
Once launched, the new facility will produce 38 types of medications for the treatment of the most common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, including tuberculosis. Production will meet international quality standards.
The government also announced that six investment agreements worth $637 million have been signed to expand pharmaceutical production in Kazakhstan.
Chimpharm, the largest drug producer in Kazakhstan, is controlled by Polish company Polpharma Santo through the Dutch firm Central Asia Pharma Holding B.V.
Starak is the second-richest businessman in Poland, with a fortune of $6.96 billion. He would also rank as Kazakhstan’s second-richest businessman, after Vyacheslav Kim, whose net worth is estimated at $7.1 billion.
