Prospects of the Kazakh-Austrian cooperation in oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan discussed in Vienna

The keynote speaker vice-minister of energy of Kazakhstan Mr. Magzum Myrzagaliyev informed the participants of the current development of oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan, positive influence of the Eurasian Economic Union on the sector, the development of alternative energy sources, the projects in petrochemical industry and energy policy. Vice-minister separately noted the prospects of the Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and joint ventures within the framework of increasing the local content.

Mr. Myrzagaliyev's statement was taken with great interest by participants, particularly among Austrian companies interested in cooperation with Kazakhstan. Following the event vice-minister Myrzagaliyev held informal meetings with up to twenty Austrian companies, during which plans of these companies in Kazakhstan were discussed.

Former Permanent Representative of Austria to the OECD and the United Nations in Geneva Mr.Wolfgang Petritsch and the Executive President of the Austrian-Kazakh Society Mr.Gabriel Lansky also addressed the participants of the event. The Member of the Austrian Parliament Ms. Christine Muttonen was an honorable guest of the event.

Overall, the event has shown steady interest of Austrian companies to Kazakhstan and the growing importance of Austrian-Kazakhstani society as a platform for the promotion of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

In addition, on 13 May 2015 vice-minister Myrzagaliyev met with Mr. Jaap Huijskes, board member of OMV and Mr. Hubert Hackl, managing director of the Bertsch Group to discus current operations of these companies in Kazakhstan, Kazinform refers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.