Samsung E&A weighs role in new Kazakhstan refinery and petrochemical complex

September 7, 2026 at 05:33 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov met with Samsung E&A President and CEO Hong Namkoong on September 7 to discuss the South Korean company's potential participation in a new oil refining and petrochemical complex. Samsung E&A expressed interest in studying the project further and possible involvement in later stages. The project remains at the preliminary feasibility study stage, with no contract signed.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov met with Samsung E&A President and CEO Hong Namkoong on September 7, 2026.
Samsung E&A expressed interest in further studying the project and possible participation in later stages.
The project is at the preliminary feasibility study stage, with technology configuration, location, and investor pool still under evaluation.
No contract has been signed and no investor has been approved for the new complex.
Samsung E&A is a leading South Korean engineering and EPC company with experience in oil refining, petrochemicals, and energy projects.

Meeting Details

Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov held talks with Samsung E&A President and CEO Hong Namkoong on September 7, 2026. The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation within the strategic project to build a new oil refining and petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan. The Korean side was briefed on the current status of project preparation and main directions for further implementation. Discussions covered the technological configuration of the future complex, development of petrochemical production, attraction of private investment, and use of advanced engineering solutions. Samsung E&A representatives expressed interest in further studying the project and possible participation in later stages of its implementation.

Project Status

Kazakhstan is currently developing a preliminary feasibility study for the new complex. Specialists are evaluating technological configuration and production volumes, optimal location considering raw material availability and logistics infrastructure, and the investor pool. The Ministry of Energy is holding active negotiations with potential technology partners and international engineering companies. No contract has been signed and no investor has been approved for the project. The parties agreed to continue dialogue and work out cooperation options in detail.