Skoda Transportation could localize production in Kazakhstan

ASTANA. Nov 16 (Interfax) - Skoda Transportation views Kazakhstan as a would-be partner for localization of its production, Didier Pfleger, the chairman of the board of Skoda Transportation, said at a meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.

Smailov and Pfleger discussed launching projects in Kazakhstan for production, maintenance and modernization of railway and city transport vehicles. Smailov suggested that Skoda Transportation should build a production line with a high level of localization and a full cycle.

"The government of Kazakhstan pays special attention to the engineering industry, so we are interested in cooperation with foreign partners. We also deem it possible that Kazakh engineering enterprises could be involved in joint projects," Smailov said.

Pfleger said that his company is ready to enter new markets and views Kazakhstan as a would-be partner for localization and development of its production facilities.

At the end of the meeting, the sides agreed to continue their cooperation in development of mutually beneficial projects.

Skoda Transportation, part of Skoda Holding, is a Czech engineering company and a leading European producer of urban transport vehicles, including underground passenger trains, trams, trolley buses, rail cars, electric trains and electric buses.