Tokayev inaugurates KIA Qazaqstan automobile plant in KostanayPresident Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially launched the KIA Qazaqstan automobile plant located in Kostanay via a teleconference on Tuesday, his press service reported.In his remarks, Tokayev framed the new facility as the natural evolution of the KIA Sportage production launched in the region two years ago. The full-scale plant, established through a partnership with KIA Motors Corporation, now begins full operations."The launch of the KIA Qazaqstan plant will undoubtedly give a powerful impetus to the technological modernization of the entire industry. I believe that the plant will expand its lineup in the future, creating an opportunity to export our vehicles, which meet rigorous global standards, to international markets. Kazakhstan is ready to contribute to the development of the global automotive industry," the press service quoted the president as saying.Tokayev noted that the plant focuses on localizing production, which will significantly increase the Kazakh content in the manufactured products. "According to expert estimates, every job at the automobile plant indirectly creates up to five or six additional jobs in logistics, the service sector, and infrastructure. This is not just a linear expansion, but a major step towards forming a full-fledged industrial cluster where small and medium-sized businesses will get a real opportunity for stable development," the head of state said.According to the president, last year over 290 billion tenge was invested in Kazakhstan's automobile industry, which is a 150% rise from the previous year. The positive trend continues, with 178 billion tenge already invested in the sector since the beginning of this year. Last year, Kazakhstan produced more than 145,000 vehicles. Automotive industry enterprises operate in Astana, Almaty, Semey, Uralsk, Kokshetau, Kostanay, and Saran. This sector employs over 10,000 citizens, nearly half of whom are young people.The decision to build the KIA Qazaqstan plant was made in 2023. The enterprise is located on a 62.95-hectare site within the Kostanay industrial zone. The plant's production capacity is 70,000 vehicles per year, with an investment volume of 131.5 billion tenge. The plant has created 1,500 jobs, and its target markets are Kazakhstan, Central Asian countries, and the EAEU. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX