Germany is looking forward to a bilateral raw material exchange with resource rich nation Kazakhstan. Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the idea of bilateral raw material partnerships was important for German companies to be able to access unlimited raw materials.
To drum up of public and political support for the idea a cabinet secretary from the economy ministry has been assigned by Merkel. Bernd Pfaffebach is to be deeply involved in the German government’s initiative to improve access to raw materials from the source.
The Germany industry federation BDI said that the idea had been received positively by a dozen or so mid -sized companies. Talks are at an early stage yet, but given the high dependency on imports of raw materials and in particular metals direct cooperation in digging projects abroad could help as per a BDI spokesperson.
With rare earth elements and minerals becoming scare with China cutting back on exports there is a need to ensure a constant supply. These minerals are used in high tech and defence production and Germany is looking for an unrestricted exporting partner.
While Kazakhstan is primarily a gas exporter there are large deposits of rare earth minerals in the nation which Germany would be happy to help develop as joint ventures.