Metallurgy is among Kazakhstan's key industries - Nazarbayev

ASTANA, July 4 (Itar-Tass) -- Kazakhstan is set to completely overhaul
its industry, which will help create tens of thousands of new jobs,
including in the metallurgical sector, Kazakhstan's President Nursultan
Nazarbayev said in a greeting message to participants in the second
international mining and metallurgical congress. The message was read out
on Monday by Prime Minister Karim Masimov.
Over the 20 years of its independence, Kazakhstan has considered
metallurgy as "one key industries of the Kazakh economy." The industry
demonstrates high development dynamics. "Currently, the industry accounts
for more than seven percent of GDP, about 17 percent of the overall
industrial output, and 20 percent of exports," the message said.
The Kazakh president drew attention to the fact that the country has
launched a state program to encourage more rapid industrial and innovation
development. The program provides for more funds to be spent on
prospecting works.
In his speech, Prime Minister Karim Masimov paid special attention to
boosting competitive edge of the country's mining and metallurgical
industry. "We clearly understand that new investments into the sector are
capital-intensive and long-term steps associated with high risks, but we
must and we shall seek to boost its competitive edge," he stressed.
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