ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 22. Kazakhstan is taking steps to foster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) linked to the mining and metallurgical complex, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated during a government meeting, Trend reports.
In line with the Head of State’s instructions, the government is prioritizing high-value added industrial projects and creating enabling conditions for SME growth around major subsoil users. One such example is the planned launch of a steel pipe plant in the city of Saran this year, based on the output of the Qarmet company.
Bektenov noted that over 220,000 people are employed directly in the mining and metallurgical sector, with many more working in related SME-driven supply chains. He stressed the importance of incentivizing the development of flexible, consumer-focused businesses that can drive innovation and improve downstream industrial performance.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the ongoing digital transformation of the sector through automation, AI, and big data tools. These advancements, he said, are helping the industry boost efficiency, market adaptability, and transparency.
