At the 30th anniversary Kazakhstan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference KIOGE 2026 in Almaty, which brought together more than 500 companies from 58 countries and over 9,000 visitors, Tengizchevroil (TCO) traditionally served as general sponsor, while Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akbarov called for boosting the output of oil and gas equipment and developing its production in the country, infohub.kz reports.
Among the topics voiced from the KIOGE stage, the development of oil and gas equipment production in Kazakhstan took center stage. Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akbarov emphasized that the introduction of new technologies must be accompanied by the development of local production and mechanical engineering:
— Along with the introduction of new technologies, it is important to develop production and mechanical engineering, increase the output of oil and gas equipment and localize its production in our country, raising the level of localization.
This direction has long been pursued by TCO on a systematic basis, and work with Kazakhstani suppliers is planned years in advance. TCO participates in a five-year local content development program, which provides for an annual increase in the share of Kazakhstani goods, works and services, the conclusion of long-term contracts, the localization of new production facilities and the introduction of KPIs for company management to achieve set targets.
From 1993 to August 2026, TCO directed more than $53.3 billion to Kazakhstani content. The company's direct financial contribution to Kazakhstan's economy over this period amounted to $220 billion. TCO's total procurement of Kazakhstani content in 2025 reached $1,805.9 billion, with the in-country value share at 71%.
In procurement of goods, the share of Kazakhstani content rose from 7% in 2024 to 15% in 2025. TCO cited these figures in a publication dated September 4, 2026, linking the growth to product localization and expanded cooperation with local manufacturers.
Notably, the local content increase program itself is essentially a development driver for domestic manufacturers, pushing them to reach a new qualitative level — suppliers must meet TCO's technical requirements. This is achieved through TCO's Supplier Development Program: specialists visit production sites, conduct audits and qualifications, and help enterprises obtain international certifications.
In addition, for TCO, the development of Kazakhstani content is tied to the work of domestic suppliers and the training of specialists who hold technical and managerial positions in the company. TCO General Director Billy Lacobie spoke about this at KIOGE.
— Today, 96% of TCO employees are citizens of Kazakhstan, and nine out of ten managerial positions are held by Kazakhstani specialists. We continue to invest in the development of domestic suppliers, digital solutions and human capital.
Overall, TCO provides employees with opportunities for training and international exchange of experience, including preparation in digitalization and artificial intelligence. Since 2020, more than 670 Kazakhstani employees have been appointed to key managerial and technical positions previously held by foreign specialists.