Kazakhstan may become a reliable supplier of critical materials to European industry, says President Tokayev
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the investment roundtable within his state visit to France, Kazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
It's encouraging that Kazakhstan is among the key trade and economic, investment partners of France in Central Asia. Kazakhstan accounts for over 80% of France’s trade with the region. This year’s trade turnover has risen 45%, which we look forward to maintain. Direct investments from France have also been up 15%, reaching a record of almost 900 million US dollars. Presently, up to 200 French companies, including Total, Alstom, Orano, Danone, Vicat, Airbus, operate in the Kazakhstani market, said the Kazakh President.
During the event, the Head of State spoke about the ambitious tasks Kazakhstan sets to transform its economy via the large-scale political and economic reforms in accordance with the international standards and OSCE principles.
Tokayev spoke in detail about the promising areas for expanding economic ties.
The energy sector is the key one in our cooperation. Being the major oil and uranium supplier to the European Union, Astana is ready to further maintain the energy sovereignty of France. Active presence of French industries, which is to introduce advanced technologies in our manufacturing industry, is expected. Taking into account that our country is the major producer of uranium in the world and that France holds the extensive experience in the nuclear industry, our countries may cooperate in civil nuclear energy, said Tokayev.
President Tokayev also noted that Kazakhstan was the first Central Asian country to ratify the Paris Agreement and pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. According to the Kazakh leader, the number of major international companies, interested in carrying our large-scale projects in wind, solar and hydroelectric energy, is rising. In particular, Total Energies intends to build a wind station with a capacity of 1GW, with investments totaling 1.1 billion US dollars.
Another priority area is efficient management of water resources and heat supply, that is crucial for Kazakhstan amid climate change. In this regard, cooperation between Suez and Veolia seeks to upgrade the water infrastructure of the country.
As the global demand for critical raw materials is expected to rise 4fold by 2040, Kazakhstan may become a reliable supplier to French and European industry. Presently, Kazakhstan produces 19 out of the key raw materials, vital for the EU economy, including titan, copper, magnesium and scandium. According to the forecast, Kazakhstan holds extensive deposits of rare earth materials such as lithium, beryllium and tantalum, that are in-demand in almost all high-technology and green industries, said Tokayev.
The Head of State noted that the transport and logistics sector is becoming increasingly important amid the geopolitical realities, with Kazakhstan occupying the strategic location in Eurasia. Tokayev spoke about the ongoing projects set to modernize the transport routes in the country and urged French businesses to harness the opportunities the sector offers.
Addressing the roundtable were Vicat Group CEO Guy Sidos, CEO of Total Energies Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Orano S.A. Nicolas Maes, Alstom Director General Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Air Liquide CEO François Jackow, and others.
Earlier it was reported that the Kazakh and French Presidents held talks in an extended format.
It was reported that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emmanuel Macron made a joint statement at a press conference.
The President of Kazakhstan arrived in France for a state visit on November 4.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was officially welcomed by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
Read more about the prospects for developing relations between Astana and Paris in the analytical report by Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
