Kazakhstan and Italy Strengthen Strategic Partnership in the Oil and Gas Sector
The third Kazakhstan–Italy Oil and Gas Forum took place in the city of Ravenna, becoming a key event of the bilateral energy dialogue. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, national companies, business associations, and international businesses to discuss current and future directions of cooperation.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Italy Yerbolat Sembaev delivered the opening remarks, noting that Ravenna is not only an industrial hub but also a center of innovation and sustainable solutions, including projects such as the LNG terminal and the Ravenna CCS carbon capture and storage system. He emphasized the relevance of energy transition issues, which are a shared focus of both countries.
The forum featured panel discussions on Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities, planned projects, production localization, sustainable partnership, and the energy transition. Among the speakers were Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan A. Zhamauov, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan A. Petito, and representatives of KazMunayGas, Tengizchevroil, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating, Eni, Bonatti S.p.A., and others.
Speaking at the forum, the foreign representative of JSC "NC KAZAKH INVEST" for Southern Europe, Altynay Mukanova, emphasized that Kazakhstan possesses significant oil and gas reserves, making the country attractive for investment and cooperation. She noted that Kazakhstan is actively developing its market for oil and gas equipment, including drilling rigs, valves, pipelines, and compressors, and there is high demand for technological solutions aimed at localization.
Additionally, a business meeting was held at Eni’s headquarters in Milan between the delegation of the Kazakhstan Oilfield Services Companies Union (KazService), Altynay Mukanova, and Eni’s Upstream Director Luca Vignati.
The meeting marked an important step in advancing practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and one of Europe’s leading energy companies. Eni Kazakhstan Chairman of the Board Siger Hoytink delivered welcoming remarks, expressing readiness to expand cooperation, involve Kazakh companies in global supply chains, and implement joint technological projects.
The Kazakh delegation included representatives of KazService, KazMunayGas, IMBC, KAZENERGY, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and executives of Kazakh oilfield service companies. The parties discussed issues related to local content development, technology transfer, personnel training, and new joint productions.
As part of the visit, on the sidelines of the OMC Med Energy 2025 conference in Ravenna, Altynay Mukanova held a series of bilateral meetings with leading Italian companies. With Cimolai, she discussed projects in the field of steel structure manufacturing. With Franco Tosi, the focus was on localizing the production of energy equipment, including heat exchangers, turbines, and boilers. With Tenaris, the discussion centered on expanding cooperation under an existing project for the production of seamless pipes with premium-class gas- and water-tight threaded connections for the oil and gas sector.
Background
In 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy reached $20 billion, of which over $18 billion accounted for exports of Kazakh oil and petroleum products. Italy remains one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Europe, with companies like Eni actively participating in strategic projects such as Kashagan, Karachaganak, and CPC. These projects are not only examples of successful investment but also serve as platforms for the introduction of new technologies, environmental standards, and training of Kazakh specialists.
