Jerzy Starak, the owner of the Polpharma Group and the second richest person in Poland according to Forbes, is investing 39.5 billion tenge (6 billion rubles) in the expansion of pharmaceutical production in Shymkent. The corresponding agreement was signed by JSC Khimpharm (trademark Polpharma Santo) and the Government of Kazakhstan.
“The agreement marks the start of a new phase of a major investment project by Polpharma Santo in the city of Shymkent, with the creation of 300 new jobs. The total volume of private investments amounts to 39.5 billion tenge, including investments in the development of scientific research,” the statement from the republic’s government reads.
The project involves the construction of facilities for the production of 38 types of medicines, including those for the treatment of oncological, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. The launch of the first phase is scheduled for the end of 2029.
In addition to the plant, the Polish side intends to launch a Center for Quality and Innovation in Shymkent, which will include a research and development center and laboratories for creating new products.
According to Khimpharm’s financial reports for 2024 — the latest for which data is available — the Shymkent plant is fully owned by the Dutch company Central Asia Pharma Holding B.V., which, in turn, is part of the Polish giant Polpharma. Its ultimate owner is Jerzy Starak, with a fortune of 24.9 billion zlotys (nearly $7 billion), Forbes notes.
