The development of Kazakhstani Content holds strategic significance for the country’s economy and society. First, it helps strengthen national industry and enhance the country’s technological independence. Localizing production and services reduces reliance on imports, enables the growth of domestic capabilities, and supports the optimization of the supply chain. Second, supporting domestic suppliers creates new jobs, enhances workforce skills, and stimulates the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. This has a direct positive impact on employment levels and household income across the country. Third, the development of Kazakhstani Content drives investment into regions, supports infrastructure modernization, and enables the introduction of advanced technologies tailored to local conditions. In addition, it strengthens the national tax base by increasing budget revenues, which in turn enables the government to fund social programs and public projects. Finally, the localization of production and services helps build sustainable partnerships between international companies and Kazakhstani enterprises, providing access to global standards and best practices. Thus, the development of Kazakhstani Content (KC) is not only an economic necessity but also an essential element of the country’s long‑term sustainable development strategy.
These principles form the foundation of TCO’s activities, which go beyond declarations and are supported by tangible results. The company consistently implements its Kazakhstani Content (KC) development strategy by investing in local resources and creating opportunities for domestic enterprises. This is more than just support for local businesses — it is a contribution to building a resilient economy, fostering regional development, and enhancing Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the global market.
Over the past three decades, TCO has created hundreds of thousands of jobs and actively procured Kazakhstani goods and services, stimulating economic activity not only in the Atyrau region but across the entire country. In just the first quarter of 2026, TCO procured goods and services from Kazakhstani suppliers valued at approximately USD 370 million. These funds are directed toward paying for products and services that meet international quality standards and are provided within Kazakhstan. This approach stimulates the localization of technologies, the expansion of production capabilities, and the enhancement of workforce skills. Moreover, since the company’s establishment in 1993, TCO’s total procurement from domestic suppliers has reached an impressive USD 52.6 billion. These figures clearly demonstrate the systematic nature of TCO’s work to advance Kazakhstani Content (KC) and highlight its critical role in the country’s economic development.
In 2025, TCO set a new internal record by reaching a 71% share of Kazakhstani Content (KC), driven by an increase in the volume of goods procured from domestic suppliers.
TCO continues to build on its achievements and expand opportunities for domestic companies. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company plans further localization of production, the introduction of innovative technologies, and the continuous enhancement of skills among Kazakhstani specialists. Particular attention is given to establishing long‑term partnerships that strengthen the stability and international competitiveness of local businesses.
In addition, TCO actively supports initiatives aimed at developing infrastructure and modernizing production facilities across the regions. This not only contributes to the growth of Kazakhstani Content (KC) but also helps build a solid foundation for the country’s broader economic development. Collaboration with global companies enables domestic enterprises to adopt international best practices, raise quality standards, and expand into new markets.
“Developing the Kazakhstani market for goods and services in line with international standards is one of TCO’s key priorities. Our goal is not merely to support local content, but to build a sustainable system that creates new opportunities for Kazakhstani companies. Our programs are aimed at expanding supplier capabilities, introducing modern technologies, and improving product quality. Investing in Kazakhstani partners is both a contribution to the country’s economic growth and a way to ensure that the company’s needs are met at the highest level,” said TCO General Director William Lacobie.
It is worth noting that TCO has implemented a production localization advancement system that incorporates a comprehensive approach — starting with early-stage planning of Kazakhstani Content (KC) in future goods procurement, setting localization requirements for new suppliers, providing employee training, and continuously monitoring the procurement of domestically produced goods.
Another important area in which TCO holds a leading position among oil and gas operators is the localization of goods produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEM). This process plays a critical role in the development of Kazakhstani Content (KC), as it provides a strong impetus for training and upskilling local suppliers. Integrating international standards into local practices enhances professionalism and technical competence, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of domestic companies. Moreover, OEM localization has not only expanded the expertise of TCO’s partners but has also stimulated the establishment of local branches of global companies in the Atyrau region, further integrating global experience into Kazakhstan’s economy.
In recent years, TCO’s strategic business partners — including Baker Hughes, Honeywell, Emerson, Erreesse Valves, WIKA, Cameron and others — have launched production lines and assembly facilities in Kazakhstan to manufacture goods with high and stable demand in the oil and gas sector. These examples demonstrate that TCO is not only investing in the development of local content but is also building a solid foundation for long‑term partnerships, technological advancement and the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry.
As previously reported by the company, in 2024 TCO, together with the Ministry of Energy, developed a strategy for the development of Kazakhstani Content (KC). This strategy includes improving mechanisms to support local manufacturers, providing price tolerance within tender procedures, and conducting tenders exclusively among domestic companies when three or more local producers are available.
TCO supports the work of the International Center for Development of Oil and Gas Machine Building (IMBC), which focuses on qualifying local manufacturers and identifying capability gaps to ensure a reliable and cost‑effective supplier base. As a result of its collaboration with IMBC last year, TCO signed long‑term contracts for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, the supply of protective materials, as well as several memorandums and agreements that are currently in the implementation phase. Since 2024, TCO has conducted qualification assessments of 16 Kazakhstani manufacturers and included them in TCO’s Approved Manufacturers List, recognizing their compliance with the company’s requirements and standards. In 2025, during the XII Kazakhstan Machine‑Building Forum, TCO signed four contracts with three Kazakhstani companies for the supply of equipment valued at more than USD 10.5 million. During the Oil and Gas Engineering Forum held in Aktau, TCO also signed contracts worth USD 150 million. These contracts are essential for ensuring safe and reliable operations at the Tengiz field: equipment manufactured by Kazakhstani companies will be used for major overhauls and ongoing maintenance activities. For example, LLP AtyrauNefteMash will manufacture a Claus combustion chamber, LLP Sewon‑Vertex Heavy Industry will produce a burner stack and an oxidizer column, and LLP Honeywell Automation Controls System will supply a cabinet cluster. It is worth noting that Honeywell has localized its production in Kazakhstan, and this equipment supply contract was concluded within the framework of the trilateral memorandum of cooperation between TCO and the International Center for Development of Oil and Gas Machine Building (IMBC), which was signed last year. According to official data, in 2024 the output of the machine‑building sector increased by 10%. Over the past five years, TCO’s procurement from Kazakhstani machine‑building companies has accounted for 43%.
“Signing these contracts is more than just another step in ensuring safe and reliable operations at Tengiz. It reaffirms our long‑term strategy to advance Kazakhstani Content (KC) and strengthen the country’s machine‑building industry. We are confident that production localization and the integration of international standards into the work of domestic companies create a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth. TCO invests in partnerships with Kazakhstani enterprises to jointly develop technologies, enhance workforce skills, and ensure safe and efficient operations. Our collective efforts contribute not only to the company’s success but also to the future of Kazakhstan,” — emphasized TCO General Director William Lacobie.
The development of Kazakhstani Content (KC) is not just a trend, but a strategic priority that ensures the sustainable growth of the national economy. The localization of production, the integration of international standards, and the support of domestic suppliers create a solid foundation for technological advancement, the upskilling of local specialists, and the increased competitiveness of Kazakhstani companies.
TCO demonstrates a systematic approach to this priority area — from signing multimillion‑dollar contracts with local enterprises to introducing innovative solutions and launching new production facilities in Kazakhstan. These efforts contribute to job creation, the development of the machine‑building industry, and the increasing share of Kazakhstani goods and services in major projects.
Looking ahead, the development of Kazakhstani Content (KC) will become a key factor in building a strong, independent, and innovation‑driven economy capable of competing in the global market. TCO will continue to invest in partnerships with domestic companies to jointly build a future founded on reliability and innovation
