BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. With nearly $17
billion invested in purchasing Kazakh goods, services, and works
since 2004, the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) has been a
major contributor to the country's economic development and a
staunch supporter of local businesses, a source at NCOC told
Trend.
As per the NCOC, a crucial yardstick of its endeavors is the slice
of the pie that total procurement costs allocate to local goods and
services. The company is all in when it comes to boosting the
participation of Kazakhstani suppliers in its projects, especially
in the big leagues of oil and gas initiatives.
The source highlighted that NCOC prioritizes integrating local
suppliers into key projects, such as the development of the
Kashagan field. "Our objective is to create opportunities for local
companies at every stage of contract execution and procurement.
This approach helps them grow their businesses and improve
competitiveness."
Supporting local enterprises through training and certification is
a cornerstone of NCOC's strategy.
"Since 2004, more than 230 Kazakhstani companies have obtained
international certifications such as ASME, API, and ISO.
Additionally, we have provided professional training to over 5,390
employees of local companies, enhancing their qualifications in
high-demand areas like welding safety and mobile crane operations,"
the source added.
NCOC also works to strengthen the local supply chain by
identifying opportunities for local suppliers to meet operational
needs. The company invests in capacity-building initiatives,
offering technical training, certification programs, and skills
development for workers and businesses.
To ensure local contractors benefit economically from large
projects and contribute to Kazakhstan’s GDP, NCOC collaborates
closely with local enterprises, international partners, and the
government. This collaborative approach supports sustainable
economic growth and improves operational efficiency.
Headquartered in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, NCOC operates under the
Production Sharing Agreement for the North Caspian. Its consortium
includes seven major global energy companies: KazMunayGas (16.88
percent), Eni (16.81 percent), Shell (16.81 percent), ExxonMobil
(16.81 percent), TotalEnergies (16.81 percent), CNPC (8.33
percent), and INPEX Ltd. (7.56 percent). From 2004 to 2024, NCOC
has provided specialized professional training to over 5,390
employees from Kazakhstani companies in fields such as confined
space operations, welding safety, electronic systems, and assembly.
These efforts reflect NCOC’s ongoing commitment to fostering local
expertise and driving sustainable development in Kazakhstan.