Astana, Kazakhstan, Jan. 29
By Daniar Mukhtarov - Trend:
New rules in the subsoil use will more reliably protect Kazakhstan's interests, Kazakh political analyst, Eduard Poletaev believes.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakh Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov stated that it is necessary to simplify the legislation in the area of subsoil use. The Kazakh prime minister made the remarks on January 27 at an expanded board meeting at Kazakh Oil and Gas Ministry.
The prime minister reminded that over 200 contracts on exploration and production of hydrocarbons have been registered in Kazakhstan. Alongside with this there are many people seeking access to hydrocarbon resources.
"Our rules should be transparent and understandable for investors," the prime minister said.
However he stressed that these simplifications in the legislation should apply to both domestic and foreign investors.
"There are doubts about to what extent they [the rules] will be simplified. Likely working moments will be alleviated and bureaucratic delays will be removed. But Kazakhstan's interests will be protected more safely than, for example, it was at the dawn of independence in the early 90s, when any money was important in order to lift the country's economy," the analyst said.
He went on to add that the Kazakh authorities now intend to conclude more favourable contracts in the area of subsoil use.
"At least, the rent for the country must be clearly fair," Poletaev said.
Translated by E.A.