janvary 27, 2024
UCC in Kazakhstan: Strengthening Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector Between Kazakhstan and Qatar
On January 21, a casual meeting was held in Astana with representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, UCC Holding, KazService, the Qatari-Kazakh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and members of the Union of Oilfield Service Companies. The event, held in a “no-tie” format, allowed participants to present their companies, share experiences, and establish business connections in an informal setting.
The meeting was organized at the initiative of KazService to foster business interaction among players in the oil and gas sector and to discuss potential avenues for cooperation.
The meeting was organized at the initiative of KazService to foster business interaction among players in the oil and gas sector and to discuss potential avenues for cooperation.
Representatives of UCC Holding, including Amer Mahassen, Managing Director of PIH & UCC Holding in Kazakhstan, attended the event, along with Alibek Zhamauov, Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants presented their companies, highlighted key areas of activity, and shared insights on their experience in the oil and gas industry.
In his speech, Amer Mahassen emphasized Kazakhstan's strategic importance for Qatari investors and the necessity of building robust partnerships with local companies: "We believe in the strategic partnership between Qatar and Kazakhstan and are ready to invest in developing the oil and gas sector, as well as other promising industries."
He further emphasized that the success of such projects heavily relies on local contractors, who bring profound market knowledge and extensive experience. "We count on your support and are ready to collaborate to achieve our common goals," he added.
Vice Minister Alibek Zhamauov underscored the significance of ongoing projects being carried out in partnership with Qatari entities. He highlighted that the top priority is completing the second line of the Beineu – Bozoi – Shymkent main gas pipeline. "The project must be completed by the end of 2026 as the demand for gas in the southern regions is rapidly growing," he emphasized.
Aidos Koldasov, General Director of KazService and the Qatari-Kazakh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between local and international companies. He noted that KazService continues to act as a bridge between businesses and the government, creating a platform for dialogue and addressing pressing issues:
"Our priority is not only to attract investment but also to ensure active participation of Kazakhstani contractors in major projects. We see tremendous potential in uniting the efforts of local businesses and international partners." He also highlighted the significance of localization and knowledge transfer: "We aim to increase the involvement of local specialists in major projects and to foster the development of their professional skills."
The participants also discussed the progress of other significant projects, such as the construction of a gas processing plant in Kashagan with a capacity of 1 billion cubic meters, and a second plant with an enhanced capacity of 2.5 billion cubic meters. These projects are critical for providing Kazakhstan with additional gas volumes and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Representatives of Kazakh oilfield service companies shared their experiences in major projects, including main gas pipelines and gas processing, and expressed their readiness for further collaboration with Qatari investors.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of contacts and agreements for future cooperation. KazService representatives invited participants to the annual "KAZNEFTEGASERVICE – 2025" conference, scheduled for February 21 in Atyrau. The event will host over 250 oil and gas companies, offering even greater opportunities for dialogue and new partnerships.
The KazService initiative to organize such “no-tie” meetings was highly appreciated by attendees. The format not only facilitated direct communication but also laid the foundation for implementing joint projects, enhancing localization, and advancing Kazakhstan's oilfield services sector.
In his speech, Amer Mahassen emphasized Kazakhstan's strategic importance for Qatari investors and the necessity of building robust partnerships with local companies: "We believe in the strategic partnership between Qatar and Kazakhstan and are ready to invest in developing the oil and gas sector, as well as other promising industries."
He further emphasized that the success of such projects heavily relies on local contractors, who bring profound market knowledge and extensive experience. "We count on your support and are ready to collaborate to achieve our common goals," he added.
Vice Minister Alibek Zhamauov underscored the significance of ongoing projects being carried out in partnership with Qatari entities. He highlighted that the top priority is completing the second line of the Beineu – Bozoi – Shymkent main gas pipeline. "The project must be completed by the end of 2026 as the demand for gas in the southern regions is rapidly growing," he emphasized.
Aidos Koldasov, General Director of KazService and the Qatari-Kazakh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between local and international companies. He noted that KazService continues to act as a bridge between businesses and the government, creating a platform for dialogue and addressing pressing issues:
"Our priority is not only to attract investment but also to ensure active participation of Kazakhstani contractors in major projects. We see tremendous potential in uniting the efforts of local businesses and international partners." He also highlighted the significance of localization and knowledge transfer: "We aim to increase the involvement of local specialists in major projects and to foster the development of their professional skills."
The participants also discussed the progress of other significant projects, such as the construction of a gas processing plant in Kashagan with a capacity of 1 billion cubic meters, and a second plant with an enhanced capacity of 2.5 billion cubic meters. These projects are critical for providing Kazakhstan with additional gas volumes and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Representatives of Kazakh oilfield service companies shared their experiences in major projects, including main gas pipelines and gas processing, and expressed their readiness for further collaboration with Qatari investors.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of contacts and agreements for future cooperation. KazService representatives invited participants to the annual "KAZNEFTEGASERVICE – 2025" conference, scheduled for February 21 in Atyrau. The event will host over 250 oil and gas companies, offering even greater opportunities for dialogue and new partnerships.
The KazService initiative to organize such “no-tie” meetings was highly appreciated by attendees. The format not only facilitated direct communication but also laid the foundation for implementing joint projects, enhancing localization, and advancing Kazakhstan's oilfield services sector.