Shymkent, Kazakhstan – The European Union and Kazakhstan recently signed memorandums worth over 800 million euros in an effort to develop the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This move aims to strengthen the transit connection between Asia and Europe. Geopolitics recently highlighted the significance of Kazakhstan offering its Caspian Sea ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as 22 airports, to European investors, creating a potential transit hub.
Nikola Mikovic, the author of the article, emphasized the crucial role of Kazakhstan in transporting goods from China to Europe, with about 85% of land transit passing through the country. Additionally, the Mangystau province, where the key ports are located, plays a vital role in Kazakhstan’s reputation as a major oil exporter to the European Union and other European countries outside the EU.
Kazakhstan is a significant player in the global oil industry, producing approximately 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, making up 2% of the world’s total oil output. The country’s export revenue heavily relies on the sale of oil to the EU and other European countries, with the Atyrau and Mangystau provinces being the main oil-producing regions.
However, recent labor strikes in the Mangystau region have raised concerns about the stability of Kazakhstan’s oil production. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called for an end to sanctions against striking workers and urged the Kazakh government to promote social dialogue and freedom of association. Despite this, President Tokayev has not publicly addressed the protests, leading to ongoing strikes in various parts of the region.
The national oil company, Kazmunaigas (KMG), has attempted to resolve the situation by calling on striking workers to end the strike and engage in constructive dialogue. However, the outcome of these efforts remains uncertain. The prolonged protests reflect the underlying social and economic challenges in Kazakhstan’s oil-producing region, raising concerns about the potential for further unrest in the future.
Zhandarbek Đšakishev, a former member of the Republic of Kazakhstan Parliament Senate, previously warned of the risk of a social explosion in the country’s oil-producing region. His concerns about the potential for future unrest highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the local population in these areas. As Kazakhstan grapples with labor strikes and social unrest, the stability of its oil production and its impact on the global energy market remain uncertain.