The QazPolymers-2022 Forum on petrochemistry has started its work in Kazakhstan

The first domestic forum QazPolymers-2022, convened on the initiative of JSC NC KazMunayGas (KMG), began its work on December 9 in Atyrau, becoming a landmark platform for discussing the prospects for the development of the market of polymer products from domestic polymer raw materials.

Upon arrival at the forum, representatives of academic science, development institutes, industry business associations, manufacturers of medical equipment, insulation and packaging materials, plastic pipes, as well as oil refineries, petrochemical and a number of other domestic and foreign companies first visited the plant of Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc LLP (KPI) for the production of polypropylene - the firstborn of the gas chemical complex of the economy of Kazakhstan.

Recall that the KPI plant (KMG has a stake in this LLP) was launched on November 8, 2022. The start of its work was given by the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his visit to the Atyrau region. The company's output in 2023 at full capacity of 500 thousand tons of products per year will put it on a par with the largest players in the global polypropylene production market.

After visiting the polypropylene plant, the tourists were already waiting for the Nurlan Balgimbayev Communications Development Center, where they were greeted by Akim of Atyrau region Serik Shapkenov, Chairman of the Board of KMG Magzum Mirzagaliyev, as well as professor and rector of Atyrau University of Oil and Gas Gulzada Shakulikova.

In his greeting, the head of KMG noted that it is important to use the location of Kazakhstan and the possibilities of creating high-tech products based on hydrocarbons.

"Today, the polymer industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the global economy and has great potential for development. The favorable geography of Kazakhstan and the country's hydrocarbon resources should be used to start producing end products with high added value for industrial, food, household, medical and other industries on the basis of basic polymer raw materials!" M.Mirzagaliyev urged.

The head of KMG added that the national oil and gas company sees a great role and opportunities for domestic business in the development of the above-mentioned prospects and is ready to provide it with all possible support.

Two panel sessions are being held within the framework of the forum: "Petrochemistry — a new driver of diversification of the national economy" and "Kazakhstani polypropylene — prospects for the development of domestic business for the production of end products." Participants will be informed about the stages of development of the domestic petrochemical industry (work has begun on the construction of a polyethylene plant with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tons, plans to create a butadiene rubber synthesis plant with a capacity of up to 180 thousand tons of butadiene rubbers per year). The agenda includes the tasks of forming business ties and basic conditions for reducing polymer import dependence, measures of state support and stimulating domestic demand for domestic polymer raw materials. The issue of attracting SMEs to the implementation of business projects on localization and expansion of the range of consumer goods using Kazakhstani raw materials will be discussed. There will also be a demonstration of effective business cases to companies.

Among the organizers of the forum are KMG, the Association of Producers and Consumers of Petrochemical Products (the Petrochemical Association), NPP Atameken and the KPI plant in Atyrau.

For reference:

The volume of imports of polypropylene and polyethylene in Kazakhstan is growing rapidly and in 2021 has already amounted to 221 thousand tons, which is almost twice as much as in 2016 (123 thousand tons). According to official statistics, up to 130 small and medium-sized enterprises for the production of final products operate in the country on the basis of imported polymer raw materials. The main consumers of polymer raw materials are manufacturers of plastic and rubber products.

Press service of JSC NC "KazMunayGas"