OREANDA-NEWS. December 05, 2008. Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Kazakhstan (RoK) Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the West Kazakhstan Oblast (WKO) Akimat.  Given the current financial climate, the memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the company and the RoK in the areas of labour protection and broader social responsibility, reported the press-centre of KPO.

Present at the signing ceremony in Aksai was the RoK Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Berdibek Saparbayev, WKO Akim, Bakhtykozha Izmukhambetov, and KPO General Director, Roger Fox.

“KPO welcomes closer cooperation with the Ministry and the WKO Akimat.  This MoU is an important step toward ensuring KPO’s continued support of social initiatives and in particular the protection of our workforce”, said Roger Fox, KPO General Director.

"KPO is committed to using local resources which not only enhances its capability, but contributes to the broader economic and intellectual development of the region.  We currently support a number of social and infrastructure projects, and will continue to invest in training and development and local content initiatives”, Roger added.

The Memorandum outlines the key areas for cooperation which include social protection and broader socio-economic development.

The news was welcomed by the employees of KPO and Trade Union representatives who were present at the signing ceremony.