Kazakhstan Aims to Double Petrochemical Output by 2030 with $12 Billion Investment

Kazakhstan has set an ambitious target to double its production of petrochemical products by the year 2030. This strategic goal was outlined during a recent industry conference, highlighting a major shift from a raw materials focus to manufacturing high-value-added goods.

The sector is already on a strong growth trajectory. Production volumes have surged from 358,000 tons in 2023 to 619,000 tons in 2025. The national plan calls for this figure to reach 1.22 million tons by the end of the decade.

This expansion will be fueled by massive investment projects with a combined value of $12 billion. The foundation was laid in 2022 with the launch of the KPI polypropylene plant in Atyrau, which produced 375,000 tons in 2025. Currently, one of the largest industrial projects in the country's history is under active construction: a polyethylene plant with an annual capacity of 1.25 million tons, scheduled for commissioning in 2029.

Additional major initiatives are moving forward simultaneously. These include an alkylate production facility in the Pavlodar region, as well as plants for manufacturing urea (880,000 tons) and butadiene (340,000 tons). The implementation of these four flagship projects is expected to create approximately 2,400 permanent jobs.

To support this industrial transformation, the government is developing specialized legislation—a law "On the Petrochemical Industry." This framework aims to ensure fair access to raw materials for domestic enterprises and attract further investment.

A dedicated Working Group has been established to integrate local companies into these large-scale ventures by coordinating with international engineering contractors. Partnerships with firms like Spain's Tecnicas Reunidas and Italy's Maire Tecnimont are already yielding results in workforce development.

In July 2025, the first group of 35 Kazakh graduates began specialized training programs in Spain. Furthermore, an agreement with Maire Tecnimont will lead to the creation of a regional engineering and industrial hub in Kazakhstan to serve CIS and Caucasus countries. These efforts are designed to build a sustainable domestic engineering core and ensure the technological sovereignty of Kazakhstan's petrochemical sector.