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Kazakhstan, France agree to cooperate in nuclear energy sector

6 November 2015 17:33 (UTC+04:00)
Kazakhstan, France agree to cooperate in nuclear energy sector

By Aynur Karimova

Kazakhstan and France have agreed to cooperate in the nuclear energy sector. Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom National Atomic Company and French company "Électricité de France" signed an agreement on the supply of natural uranium.

Kazatomprom reported that this contract continues a long-term relationship that started a decade ago.

The agreement envisages the supply of 4,500 tons of natural uranium concentrates by Kazatomprom to France in the period from 2021 to 2025.

As a world leader in uranium extraction since 2009, Kazakhstan plans to keep its leading position with a new development strategy for 2015-2025. The country increased its uranium production by 1.5 percent, producing up to 22,829 metric tons of uranium in 2014.

"Électricité de France" is the world’s largest operator of nuclear power plants.

Kazatomprom JSC is Kazakhstan’s national operator for the export of uranium and uranium compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies, and materials with dual purposes.

The main activities of the company are geological exploration, the extraction of uranium, the manufacture of products involved in the nuclear fuel cycle and of construction materials. It is also involved in the power industry, science, social security, and personnel training.

Kazakhstan, France to establish JV

The two countries also agreed to establish a joint venture for the production of industrial gases. The relevant shareholders agreement was signed between KazMunaiGas refining and marketing JSC and French company “Air Liquide,” KazMunaiGas reported.

The project is supposed to transfer to Kazakhstan the operational know-how of their French partners, who apply the best international practices in the production of industrial gases, ensure compliance with the principles of the "green economy," and increase energy efficiency in the manufacturing process.

Air Liquide operates in 80 countries, across 410 plants for the production of atmospheric gases and more than 80 plants for the production of hydrogen.

Kazakhstan and France established diplomatic relations in January 1992. Currently, the main areas of bilateral economic cooperation are oil and gas, mining, space exploration, the nuclear industry, transport engineering, and the banking sector.

The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $5.776 billion, while this figure stood at $806.6 million in the first quarter of 2015.

Kazakhstan mainly exports oil, metals, and chemical production to France and imports industrial equipment, medicines, cosmetics, cars, food, and aircraft and spacecraft from the European country.

There are more than 100 French companies registered and operating in Kazakhstan.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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