TYPES OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN. LEGAL REGULATION OF THE CONCLUSION, PERFORMANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Research into the foreign legal regulation of the establishment and operation of companies in the oil and gas industry is essential for developing proposals to improve the corresponding legal framework in the Russian Federation. It may also prove useful for efforts in international legal unification. This research aims to analyze the types of oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan and the legal regulation surrounding the conclusion, performance, and enforcement of shareholders’ agreements. Oil and gas companies in the Republic of Kazakhstan can be classified according to various criteria, including ownership structure, specialization, legal form, and participation of foreign capital. This classification not only improves understanding of the industry’s structure but also highlights areas for enhancing legal regulation. In recent years, the legal framework governing the operations of oil and gas companies has undergone significant reform, aimed at simplifying licensing procedures, improving conditions for foreign investors, and increasing transparency in subsoil use. Particular attention has been given to the digitalization of processes, which helps to reduce bureaucratic barriers and enhance the efficiency of subsoil resource management. Legal mechanisms for enforcing shareholders’ agreements are designed to create a stable corporate environment, minimize risks, and protect the interests of all parties involved – an especially critical consideration for companies operating in strategically important industries such as oil and gas.