Kazakh metals majors criticise proposed export duty

ASTANA, April 18 (Reuters) - Kazakh metals majors on Friday strongly criticised a government proposal to impose a metals export duty, saying the move would make their products less competitive on the global market.

"...We see export duties as a barrier in the way of promoting our goods on the global markets," the companies, including Kazakhmys (KAZ.L) and ENRC (ENRC.L), said in an open letter to the government.

"The realisation of breakthrough projects will come under threat in terms of attracting investment because all of them are closely tied to exports." (Reporting by Raushan Nurshayeva; Writing by Maria Golovnina, Editing by Peter Blackburn)