Kazakhstan, France join forces to make nuclear fuel, space satellites

Kazakhstan's Vice Minister for Investments and Development Yerlan Sagadiyev made such announcement at the Kazakhstan-France Business Forum in Astana on Friday. "Kazakhstan and France already have joint assemblies of helicopters, electric locomotives. Together with our French partners we produce titanium ingots, food products and super cement and develop technologies. But in the nearest future we are planning to step up cooperation and launch nuclear fuel production and spacecrafts manufacturing," Mr. Sagadiyev said. He also stressed that France is one of the largest investors of Kazakhstani economy. Since 2005 it has invested nearly €10,8 billion and there is more to come. "There are over 100 French companies in Kazakhstan that operate in oil and gas, nuclear, food, construction and transport industries," the official added. France is currently fifth largest trade partner of Kazakhstan. Sales turnover between the two countries has already made $5 billion over 9 months of 2014. "Kazakhstan and France can expand bilateral sales turnover dramatically next year," Mr. Sagadiyev concluded.