London, July 2 (RFE/RL) -- A western investment firm says a huge new aluminum project planned in Kazakhstan is likely to create between 5,000 and 10,000 new jobs for Kazakh workers. UK metals trader Trans-World Group and Kazakhstan Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin signed an agreement in London last month for a multi-million dollar aluminum scheme at Pavlodar.
Under the agreement, Trans-World will build a new aluminum smelter and expand capacity at the Pavlodar aluminum plant. Total investment in the two projects will be $1,200 million to $1,500 million. Julie Ayers, a spokeswoman for Trans-World, told our correspondent today the scheme is expected to create 5,000 to 10,000 direct jobs in the Pavlodar region over the next few years. She said the project is also likely to create 15,000 to 25,000 indirect jobs for those in the construction, materials and supply trades.
The project, to be carried out in cooperation with local firms, is expected to go ahead after the completion of a feasibility study in the next few months.