Kazakhstan to get oil from Kashagan offshore deposit this year - Shukeyev

ATYRAU. April 24. KAZINFORM Chairman of National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna Umirzak Shukeyev visited Kashagan offshore oil deposit on Tuesday.

On the artificial island D, which will produce the bulk of offshore oil, Umirzak Shukeyev was primarily interested in the technological readiness of facilities for operation. This issue was also discussed at the meeting at "Bolashak" plant, which was built for preparing Kashagan oil for export.

Investors were given the task to start the first commercial oil production by the end of 2012, Shukeyev told journalists.

There are no technical problems. Bolashak plant is completely ready for oil extraction. However, there are some problems related to local content, social issues, employment of temporary staff after the completion of construction, he said.