Interview with Jean Luc Porcheron, Managing Director, Total E&P Kazakhstan

What should Kazakhstan do to increase the attractiveness of its non-extractive sectors of economy for investments?

There are several ways to increase attractiveness of non extractive sectors, including simplification of administrative procedures to create local branches, fiscal enablers, financial support… But I would like to emphasize one aspect, which is of primary importance to all new investors wishing to develop their activity in Kazakhstan particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors: the availability of a skilled workforce. Beyond basic education, strengthening skills acquisition should become a focus of local authorities educational policy. This requires a  baseline survey of the education and training system, in parallel with an assessment of the future needs in sectors where investors are expected to develop activity.

Of course, best students can be sent abroad in reputable schools and universities, but it should also be considered to create in Kazakhstan post graduate schools in association with foreign universities. Skills acquisition by Kazakh professionals will enable investors to implement efficiently technology transfer which is often a critical factor of success for new industries.

Total is an active partner of Kashagan project, and strongly involved in the North Caspian Operating Company. In the frame of this huge project which pushes forward technological limits in numerous areas, all shareholders contribute to develop technological capacities of the Kazakh workforce directly employed, and to transfer technologies to all local companies which are involved in its realization.

Total is also willing to contribute to skills acquisition by Kazakh professionals, which is the cornerstone of efficient technology transfer. In this regard, Total is providing training opportunities abroad to some KMG staff, and also sponsors scholarships in French  universities for some selected students. We are also considering different options to support Kazakh universities development.