Senior Research Fellow in Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Security Ariel Cohen tells REGNUM about his report on Russia’s control over the economic development of Kazakhstan’s natural resources and answers some other questions.

In gas the Americans have very limited prospects. Their key task now is to remain a player in the region, to keep what they have. I think it was interesting for the US to watch the rivalry between the Russian LukOil and the Chinese CNPC for the assets of the Canadian PetroKazakhstan.

I guess in the future the Chinese will begin to pay more for assets than Russia or even the US. They are overpaying for assets already today as their oil demand is growing by double-digit % every year. In comparing January 2006 to Jan 2005 their oil imports grew by 70%, the sale of new cars by as much — this is a very quick process.

Regnum