Kazakhstan, rich in energy resources, is striving to consolidate its role in the global market through strategic partnerships and innovation. However, to fully realize this potential, it is essential to promote transparency and ensure free competition within the sector.

KazMunayGas (KMG), the national oil and gas company, is actively developing strategic partnerships with international partners to expand its operations. Recently, KMG signed a cooperation agreement with the Hungarian MOL Group to develop projects in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. This partnership includes the use of advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency of mature fields, the development of petrochemical projects, and the supply of oil to European markets.

In parallel, KMG has strengthened collaborations with key partners such as CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation), expanding the Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline and investing in natural gas infrastructure. These projects are fundamental in meeting China’s growing demand for clean and sustainable energy.

Additionally, partnerships with companies like Lukoil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni are contributing to diversifying Kazakhstan’s energy portfolio. These international partners are engaged in offshore projects in the Caspian Sea and innovative initiatives such as green hydrogen and bioenergy, further establishing Kazakhstan as a central player in the global energy transition.

Despite these advancements, the Milton Friedman Institute highlights the importance of promoting greater transparency in the awarding of energy contracts and ensuring genuine competition. Our institute has recently requested clarifications from Kazakh authorities regarding the winners of tenders for the development of fields such as Kigash, Kulsary, and Berezovskoye but has yet to receive a response.

Some strategic partners for 2025 and beyond were already established, according to an unnamed senior source. Kigash was won by Pro Explore Mining Company, incorporated in Astana by a Chinese national, Kulsary was won by another Chinese-incorporated company, Zhonghengyongsheng Energy. And the Berezovsky field will be jointly developed by Chevron and Lukoil, which already have a history of joint ventures in Kazakhstan, where Lukoil owns 5% of shares in the Tengiz oil company, which is managed by Chevron.

Fair and competitive access to the country’s energy resources is a fundamental condition for achieving sustainable and exponential growth in Kazakhstan’s national economy. The Milton Friedman Institute reiterates the necessity of ensuring that partner selection processes are open, competitive, and transparent. Concentrating contracts in the hands of a small group of players, often without clear allocation criteria, risks undermining long-term investor confidence and economic efficiency.

It is encouraging to see KMG taking steps to diversify its partners by expanding collaboration with companies from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. With ADNOC, joint ventures in refining and petrochemicals are being explored, while projects in the wind and solar energy sectors are being evaluated with ACWA Power.

These developments are promising, but Kazakhstan’s long-term success will depend on its ability to combine technological innovation, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks that promote a fair and open market environment. Our institute will continue to closely monitor these developments and advocate for free-market principles so that Kazakhstan can achieve a global leadership position in the energy sector, grounded in transparency, competition, and sustainability.

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