Iranian businessman Gholam-Ali Soleimani has applied for financing from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) to support construction of a dairy processing plant in Qonaev, in southeastern Kazakhstan.
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A project to build a dairy plant in Qonaev producing cultured milk cheese, ultrafiltered cheese, cream cheese and Turkish labneh (a creamy yogurt cheese) is under review by DBK.
The application is currently at the second stage of review, which involves document collection and indicative analysis to determine preliminary financing terms.
Ownership structure and borrower
The borrower is Kazakh company Sofood Kaz. However, the ultimate beneficiary is Soleimani, a prominent Iranian businessman and adviser to Iran’s minister of industry.
He is the founder and owner of Solico Group, one of the largest food holdings in the Middle East, with operations spanning dairy, meat processing, confectionery and other food segments.
Existing presence in Kazakhstan
According to the Adata portal, Soleimani owns two companies in Kazakhstan — Sofood Kaz and MehKAz — which distribute imported dairy products, including those under the Kalleh brand, part of Solico Group.
Investment plans and capacity
Plans to build the Qonaev facility were first announced in October 2025. The plant is expected to produce up to 100 tons per day of cream and brined cheeses, mozzarella and other premium products.
In December, Kazakh Invest said the facility could also manufacture baby food. Total investment in the project is estimated at $100 million to $150 million.
