Recently, a high-level dialogue on the future energy landscape quietly took place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Ashat Hasenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KazMunayGas (KMG), held a working meeting with Li Shufeng, General Manager of China Petroleum (Kazakhstan) Aktobe Company. Both parties exchanged candid opinions on current industry challenges and long-term cooperation goals, and decided to focus their cooperation on three major areas: geological exploration, natural gas projects, and refining business, jointly drawing up a mutually beneficial and win-win new blueprint for energy cooperation.

geological exploration

Faced with the dilemma of declining production from mature oil fields in the Kyzylorda region, geological exploration has become a strategic breakthrough for cooperation between the two sides. KMG has continuously increased its investment in recent years. In 2025, it independently drilled an exploration well with a depth of 5500 meters in the Turgai Paleozoic structure, and the results confirmed that the area has good exploration prospects. Both sides have established a joint working group, and the Chinese side is systematically studying relevant information. This cooperation model not only introduces advanced technology and international experience to Kazakhstan, but also provides new opportunities for China Petroleum to expand its resource layout in strategic key areas.

Natural gas project

The meeting simultaneously evaluated the progress of multiple strategic cooperation projects, among which the Ulihtau project was listed as a priority. The project plans to transport natural gas from the Ulihtau gas field to the Zanarol natural gas processing plant in Aktobe state. The Chairman of KMG's Board of Directors emphasized that strict adherence to the project implementation schedule is crucial, as it not only affects the regional natural gas supply, but also directly impacts the stable operation of processing facilities, and is a key link in ensuring Kazakhstan's energy security.

Refining and upgrading

In the field of refining, both parties focused on discussing the expansion investment plan for the Shymkent Refinery. The project aims to significantly increase the annual processing capacity from 6 million tons to 12 million tons, which is seen as a key measure to meet the growing demand for refined oil products in Kazakhstan. Currently, both parties are collaborating on a feasibility study to finalize the economic model, timeline, and technical plan for the expansion project, with the aim of creating a more competitive modern refining base.

In addition, both parties had in-depth exchanges on the operation of the joint venture Mangistuo Oil and Gas Company. As of the end of 2025, the company's crude oil production reached 6.1 million tons. Since 2026, it has continued to promote efficiency improvement measures. In the context of mature oilfield development, maintaining production levels must rely on strict technical specifications and efficient management decisions.

This meeting clearly indicates that China Kazakhstan energy cooperation is shifting from macro consensus to concrete collaboration. For Kazakhstan, this cooperation not only means investment and technology introduction, but also a crucial step in building the foundation of national energy security and enhancing industrial resilience in the increasingly complex global energy landscape.Editor/Yang Meiling