ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 5. Kazakhstan and Chinese investors are considering the construction of a large steel pipe plant in the Ontustik Special Economic Zone in Shymkent, Trend reports via Kazakh Invest.
The project was the focus of the Astana meeting between Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and senior representatives of Tianjin Youfa Group and Hong Kong Friend International Cooperation.
The proposed plant, with an investment volume exceeding $70 million, would produce straight-seam steel pipes with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons. The facility is expected to create 283 jobs and meet domestic demand in key sectors such as oil and gas, construction, public utilities, and infrastructure. The project aims to reduce import dependency - Kazakhstan imported 428,000 tons of pipes worth $487 million in 2024.
In the course of the meeting, Ospankulov emphasized that the development of domestic manufacturing and localization of industrial production are national priorities: “The construction of a new pipe plant aligns with our strategic goals of diversifying the economy, supplying the domestic market with quality products, and increasing export potential. We are ready to provide comprehensive support for this project.”
Li Xiangdong, Deputy General Director of Tianjin Youfa Group, affirmed the company’s interest in Kazakhstan, citing the country’s stable investment climate and institutional support for foreign investors. “We are confident that this project can serve as a foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation,” he stated.
