'Kashagan' a symbol of oil and gas industry development in Kazakhstan - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

During the ceremony the President of Kazakhstan congratulated everybody on launch of one of the key manufacturing facilities of the North-Caspian project."Exactly 8 years ago we laid the first stone in the construction of a unique complex installation. Giving the plant the name "Bolashak" I put a special meaning to this name. We were moved by a strong belief that it would become a symbol of the future prosperity of Kazakhstan. Today one of the most significant milestones have been reached on the way to accomplishing this goal ", said Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The design capacity of Bolashak plant is 450 thousand barrels of oil and 9 billion cubic meters of gas per day.

"The launch of the plant will create more than 2.5 thousand new jobs. The development of the Kashagan opens a new era in the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan. North-Caspian project is a prime example of effective international cooperation. Kashagan organically united in common purpose the world's largest oil companies. They have brought to our country rich experience and accumulated knowledge. Not so long ago at the meeting with foreign investors I noted that for those who innovate a special priority and support from the state are guaranteed. I confirm it today ", said the President of Kazakhstan, speaking at opening of the enterprise.

Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the plant "Bolashak" was the largest industrial facility.

The Head of State stressed that the new technological breakthroughs will provide the basis for the growth of the welfare of present and future generations prosperity of the two countries."Kazakhstan's economy is already getting serious return from Kashagan. Today, more than 2,600 domestic companies were pre-qualified at the project. Just last year the payment to Kazakhstani producers in the North-Caspian project amounted to about half a billion dollars.

This work must be continued and improved steadily. I would especially like to highlight the environmental aspect of the development of all fields in the North-Caspian project. Today the Caspian Sea is one of the largest oil regions of the world, which attracts the attention of many investors ", stated the President.

At the end of the Head of State thanked the international partners, engineers and all those who took part in the realization of this ambitious project.

In turn, David Cameron said that the project "Kashagan" is a symbol of the development of the oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan.

Its impressive scale is additional indicator of its potential. I am pleased to note that the British company "Shell" took part in the project. Companies of the United Kingdom have the advanced technology to conduct development in difficult environmental conditions, for example, the North Sea, and always try to find local partners to work together, said the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

David Cameron has expressed confidence that the two countries can develop trade and economic contacts, ensuring the flow of investment.

Rejection of nuclear weapons, improving the welfare of Kazakhstan, the diversification of the economy - these are real achievements of Kazakhstan. And we would like to be a partner, not only interacting in the oil and gas industry, but also promoting cooperation in education, culture and other areas that are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan, said the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Managing Director of the single operator of the North Caspian Project (NCOC) Pierre Offan noted that the Kashagan project is not only one of the most ambitious projects, but is also extremely complex in its technological and environmental parameters. He also expressed his gratitude to the President for his continued interest in the project and assistance in solution of many of its issues.

Chief Operating Officer of «Eni» company K.Deskaltsi stressed that "Kashagan" is a project in the name of the people of Kazakhstan, and its implementation is realized through the joint efforts of all partners.

"Bolashak" is located about 35 km east of the city of Atyrau, it will prepare oil and gas produced in the Kashagan field. The plant is designed to gradually increase the production capacity for preparation of commercial quality oil to 450,000 barrels per day.

Also the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister David Cameron attended the meeting with representatives of the business community, which addressed the possibility of further expansion of the Kazakh-British economic cooperation.