September 6, 2017, Astana - Samruk-Kazyna JSC (“the Fund”), “KazAgro” National management holding” JSC (“the Holding”) and CDP Equity S.p.A. (“CDP Equity”) have signed a Preliminary Agreement of Cooperation during the 9th annual meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) in Astana.

CDP Equity (previously Fondo Strategico Italiano) is a holding company with share capital of $ 3.5 billion, aiming to boost the Italian economy by investing equity capital in companies of major national interest. CDP Equity's majority shareholder is Cassa depositi e prestiti S.p.A. (CDP Group), which is controlled by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The Agreement establishes cooperation between the Fund's and the Holding’s portfolio companies and leading Italian companies for creating new production facilities in manufacturing and agricultural industries in Kazakhstan. CDP Group owns shares of large Italian companies across various industries, including manufacturing and agricultural fields. Under the first stage of the agreement, the Italia and Kazakh companies will look at the possibility of localizing new productions using Italian technologies.

Umirzak Shukeyev, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna JSC, commented at the event:

"The document signed today is another step towards expanding our partnerships with the sovereign wealth funds of other countries. Our work with CDP Equity and the subsequent implementation of investment projects will have a multiplier effect on the economy of Kazakhstan and will facilitate the transfer of technology and create new job opportunities in the country .”

On the Italian side, the Memorandum was signed by Guido Rivolta, CEO of CDP Equity S.p.A., who noted:

“Thank you very much for believing in CDP Equity as a partner for the future. This is the beginning of an important collaboration that will boost growth and prosperity of both economies. This Preliminary Agreement of Cooperation highlights a long-term partnership with the purpose to increase development of our respective portfolio companies.”