Kazakhstan to force large enterprises process metal raw materials in country itself

ASTANA. Sept 6 (Interfax) - Large Kazakh industrial enterprises will be required to process metal raw materials in the country itself, National Economy Minister Alibek Kuantirov said.

"The manufacturing industry will now have specific obligations for large companies to process raw materials, metal concentrate, and primary metals within the country, which will be enforced by law. Additionally, state support will only be provided to manufacturers of medium and high value-added products," Kuantirov said while presenting his report at a government meeting.

Mining companies will be required to sign binding agreements to provide domestic processors with sufficient raw materials.

"The mechanism for special competitive pricing, below the export price, will remain," Kuantirov said.

Legislative measures will ensure an increase in the share of local content within the regulated procurement deals.

"Major customers are expected to implement local content development programs that lead to the signing of off-take and long-term contracts and creating an SME cluster around their companies," Kuantirov said.