EADS and Eurocopter signed a cooperation agreement with the sovereign wealth fund SAMRUK-KAZYNA to create a public-private joint venture in Kazakhstan to develop helicopter activities. The project was launched as part of the strategic partnership agreement signed between France and Kazakhstan. The purpose of the joint venture is to transfer skills and know-how to local partners to develop a fully integrated and independent helicopter service industry in Kazakhstan. An agreement was also signed with a local operator to open the first maintenance center in Kazakhstan.