Over at Registan.net, Nathan is discussing a minor backlash in the blogosphere against Kazakhstan's potential investment in Westinghouse. Toshiba, which currently owns 77% of Westinghouse, will be selling this share for USD 486.3 million to Kazatomprom, the Kazakhstani nuclear agency.
This is a good deal for the U.S.–protests notwithstanding–which is why the U.S. approved the sale. Kazatomprom has 30% of world uranium reserves. As Europe increasingly turns to nuclear power, uranium, like oil, will begin to resemble oil markets in matters of supply constraint and therefore price. The sale encourages an avenue for increased supply to Westinghouse plants. It also allows Kazakhstan to diversify its economy and forge further links in global markets.
Furthermore, Japan and the U.S. have interests in Kazakhstan and with each other. This is all about mutual cooperation, and mutual investment. It's a win-win.
Thanks to Nathan for bringing this forward.
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