The annual meeting of the members of the International Machine-Building Center (IMBC) was held in Astana with the participation of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and three large oil and gas operators, including Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO).

During the meeting, representatives of the IMBC shared the results of their work over the past year and also discussed further plans for the development of Kazakhstani companies and the improvement of their competencies and qualifications. In recent years, IMBC has carried out substantial work in analyzing the needs of operators, assessing the Kazakhstani manufacturing market, visiting production facilities, and clarifying operators’ technical requirements.

The Minister of Energy emphasized the need to synchronize efforts and ensure the actual implementation of previously reached agreements. “We highly appreciate our partners’ contribution to Kazakhstan's economy, but at the same time we see the potential for new solutions. Our conceptual goal is to build a self-sufficient industrial cluster around giant projects. This is now a matter of national economic sustainability,” Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov said.

TCO supports the work of the IMBC, related to qualifications and identifying gaps of local manufacturers in order to have a reliable and cost-effective supplier base.

“TCO recognizes that Kazakhstani Content is a strategic issue for the country, and we continually strive to increase Kazakhstani content in goods, works and services, - noted TCO general director, William Lacobie. - It is important that local companies are ready to adapt to international standards, especially regarding safety, as Kazakhstan has technically challenging oil fields.”

Since 1993 TCO spent about $51 billion on Kazakhstani goods and services and to-date we have reached closed to 70% Kazakhstani content. TCO’s total KC spend is very diverse and goes beyond Atyrau, stimulating economic activity in several regions across the country.

As part of IMBC’s expanded efforts to develop local oil and gas products, a new mandate has been developed and agreed upon by the operators. To further support the development of Kazakhstani content and maximize the involvement of local manufacturers, changes have been made to tender procedures and special tender mechanisms have been introduced.

As a result of work with IMBC, last year, TCO signed long-term contracts for the supply of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) and protective materials, several memorandums and agreements, which are currently in the process of implementation. Since 2024, TCO has completed qualification of 16 Kazakhstani manufacturers and included them in the TCO Approved Manufacturers List, recognizing them as meeting TCO’s requirements and standards.  

From the recent success stories, 4 purchase orders to the local and localized companies were signed for the supply of equipment worth more than $10.5 million.

Jointly with IMBC, TCO KC team has recently visited Shymkent manufacturers as part of TCO’s aspirational plan to consistently inspect all regions of Kazakhstan and explore capabilities of local manufacturers. 

IMBC was established in 2021 with assistance of three major oil and gas operators: Tengizchevroil, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. and North Caspian Operating Company N.V. to develop production by localizing OEM manufacturers for the oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan and increasing the percentages of KC in goods.