A meeting with representatives of the Chinese company Suzhou Hunan New Materials was held in Shanghai during a working visit by Deputy Akim of the Aktobe Region A.A. Abdykarimov, coordinated by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Shanghai, DKNews.kz reports.
Following the talks, the Akimat of the Aktobe Region and Suzhou Hunan New Materials signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on the deep processing of chromium ores.
Two-Stage Investment Project
During the meeting, the Chinese company presented an investment project to be implemented in two stages.
- The first stage предусматривает the construction of a chromium concentrate processing facility, with planned investments of up to USD 150 million.
- The second stage involves a transition to the processing of metallic chromium, significantly increasing the value-added component of production.
The project aims to move beyond raw material exports and support the development of advanced industrial processing in the region.
Strategic Importance for the Region
The initiative was assessed as economically significant and fully aligned with:
- the industrial development priorities of the Aktobe Region,
- Kazakhstan’s policy of deep processing of mineral resources,
- and efforts to attract direct foreign investment.
The project is expected to create new jobs, strengthen the regional metallurgical sector, and enhance export potential.
Chinese Side Ready for Practical Implementation
Suzhou Hunan New Materials confirmed its readiness to move to the practical implementation phase of the project and expressed willingness to maintain systematic cooperation with Kazakhstan’s national and regional authorities.
The parties agreed to continue detailed coordination on technical, investment, and organizational aspects.
About Suzhou Hunan New Materials
Suzhou Hunan New Materials is an industrial producer specializing in ferrochrome smelting for the metallurgical industry. Its products are widely used in the production of stainless steel and special-purpose steels, which are in high demand across multiple industrial sectors.
Boost to Kazakhstan–China Industrial Cooperation
Experts note that the project could become a flagship example of Kazakhstan–China industrial cooperation, reinforcing the Aktobe Region’s position as one of Kazakhstan’s key industrial hubs and supporting the country’s transition toward higher value-added production.
