IFC Investment in Kazakhstan’s Cement Industry to Create Jobs, Introduce Cleaner Technology
In Bishkek:
Kymbat Ybyshova
Phone: + 996 312 626160
E-mail: kybyshova@ifc.org
In Washington, D.C.:
Carmen Powell
Phone: 1 202 473-4982
E-mail: cpowell@ifc.org
Almaty, Kazakhstan/Washington, D.C.,
January 21, 2009—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing
financing to Jambyl Cement Company in support of the company’s plans to
build Kazakhstan’s first environmentally friendly, dry-process greenfield
cement plant that will help meet the region’s growing demand for cement.
The project will create 340 full-time jobs, while stimulating additional
private sector growth and regional economic activity.
IFC will take a 10 percent stake in the company, with 60 percent majority
owned by France’s Vicat Group and 30 percent minority participation from
KazKommerts Invest, a leading Kazakh investment fund and original promoter
of the project. IFC also is providing $50 million in loans from its own
account and has mobilized an additional $110 million from Banca Intesa,
Calyon, Crédit Industriel et Commercial, and Société Générale. When fully
operational, the new plant will produce 1.1 metric tons a year.
“We are very pleased to have finalized a long term financing for our greenfield
project in Kazakhstan with IFC support with satisfactory conditions, especially
given the current economic environment,” said Guy Sidos, Chief Executive
Officer of the Vicat Group. “IFC’s involvement confirms the quality of
the project and the strong potential of the Kazakh market.”
Dimitris Tsitsiragos, IFC Director for Global Manufacturing and Services,
said, “This investment represents the continuation of a successful long-term
partnership with Vicat. The project will set higher environmental standards
for the country’s cement sector, making use of clean technology and energy
efficient processes.”
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to
escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic
growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development,
mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation
services to businesses and governments. Our new investments totaled $16.2
billion in fiscal 2008, a 34 percent increase over the previous year. For
more information, visit www.ifc.org.
About Vicat
Founded in 1853, France’s Vicat Group manufactures cement, produces ready-mixed
concrete and aggregates, and provides other products and services that
complement its core business. In 2007, the group generated sales of €2.1
billion deriving from its three principal business segments. It employs
6,700 people and is present in Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan,
Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States.
For more information, visit www.vicat.com.
About Kazkommerts Invest
Kazkommerts Invest is the leading investment company in Central Asia actively
engaged in private equity, asset management, brokerage & dealings and
investment banking. KKI’s private equity project portfolio is spread across
such sectors as oil & gas, agriculture, biotechnologies, real estate
& construction materials.
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