BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 22.
QazaqGaz National Company JSC and China National Petroleum
Corporation (CNPC) have discussed prospects for expanding strategic
cooperation, including the Severny-1 exploration project, according
to QazaqGaz.


Chairman of the Management Board of QazaqGaz Alibek
Zhamauov met with CNPC President Zhou Xinhuai.


The parties discussed the development of the strategic
partnership, the implementation of joint projects, the expansion of
investment cooperation, and new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s gas
industry.


Zhamauov noted the importance of the long-standing
cooperation with CNPC, stressing the significant potential for
further interaction and QazaqGaz’s interest in implementing
mutually beneficial initiatives.


Special attention was paid to the implementation of
the Severny-1 exploration project, as well as prospects for
studying new areas and launching joint investment initiatives.


Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their
interest in strengthening the long-term partnership and further
developing Kazakhstan’s gas industry.







In April 2026, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan,
QazaqGaz, and CNPC-AktobeMunaiGas signed a contract for hydrocarbon
exploration at the Severny-1 subsoil site in the Aktobe region.


Under the subsoil use contract, the project provides for 2D and
3D seismic surveys, as well as drilling of both independent and
dependent exploratory wells. The total investment in geological
exploration is estimated at 3.5 billion tenge (about $7.3
million).


The Severny-1 site is considered one of the most promising areas
for gas exploration in Kazakhstan.


The 4th Kazakhstan-CNPC Technical Seminar was held in Astana
today, focused on introducing modern technologies and improving the
efficiency of developing Kazakhstan’s oil and gas fields.


Following the seminar, it was proposed to develop a joint
technology implementation plan for 2027–2030. The document should
specify particular fields and pilot sites, responsible executors,
funding volumes, implementation timelines, and measurable
performance indicators. It is also proposed to define criteria for
the success of tests and conditions for the transition to
industrial use of the technologies.