The aim is to modernise trade and logistical systems and improve Kazakhstan’s position within Central Asia and the Caspian region by boosting export of non-resource goods by 30 per cent, accelerating trade interactions with neighbours and simplifying logistics for businesses.
Kazakhstan plans to boost its export potential by developing cross-border transport and logistics hubs, particularly at the borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and the Caspian coast, minister of trade and integration Arman Shakkaliyev has said.
The aim is to modernise trade and logistical systems and improve Kazakhstan’s position within Central Asia and the Caspian region.
The plan focuses on building transport, logistics and trade centres across Kazakhstan, particularly at the borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and the Caspian coast, an official release from the prime minister’s office said.
One of the key projects is the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex (ITLC), located at the Karasu checkpoint in Kazakhstan, near the Ak-Tilek checkpoint in Kyrgyzstan. This is part of the major international road corridor connecting Western Europe to Western China.
The ITLC will serve as a hub for storage, product preparation and redistribution of goods, with simplified border systems and a new bridge to relieve existing traffic at the checkpoints. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.
The International Centre for Industrial Cooperation ‘Central Asia’, to be located near the Atameken (Kazakhstan) and Gulistan (Uzbekistan) checkpoints, will play a key role in the consolidation, processing and distribution of cargo flows. The centre will focus on agriculture, chemicals, textiles, mechanical engineering and pharmaceuticals.
The Eurasia Cross-Border Trade Centre will be positioned near the Uralsk airport in Kazakhstan, facilitating cargo flows between Kazakhstan and Russia and further extending into Eastern Europe. This project, to be launched in 2026, aims at improving the efficiency of regional trade by promoting investment in industries like paints, coatings and plastics.
The Khorgos Hub, which links Kazakhstan with China and is part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, will increase export volumes and foster industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The Caspian Hub will focus on container storage, transloading and offering services for handling goods along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). A key part of the project is the Aktau Seaport Container Hub, set for completion in the second quarter of 2025. This hub is expected to raise the volume of transit cargo between China and Europe.
Additionally, the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at the Kuryk port will enhance Kazakhstan’s logistics capacity, with a planned completion date in 2026.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
