Central Asia

At a meeting of the Public Council at Samruk-Kazyna, the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in portfolio companies was reviewed, with a focus on logistics and projects of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Company. This work is being carried out in accordance with the President’s directive of April 30, 2024, to integrate basic AI elements into the real sector. Sixty-two AI projects are already being implemented in the energy, oil and gas, transport, and telecommunications sectors, with the key goal of increasing efficiency, operational transparency, and reducing losses.

A delegation from Port Kuryk LLP, led by CEO Erkin Nygmetov, visited the Port of Shanghai to study best practices in port infrastructure development and digital transformation. The main goal of the visit was to learn about modern approaches to terminal management and the integration of digital solutions into logistics processes.

In January-February 2026, container rail traffic between China and the EU reached 352,000 TEU, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The number of freight trains on China-Europe routes increased by 32% during this period, reaching 3,501 trips.

A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was held in Shymkent under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. Key topics included the digitalization of logistics and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in the transportation process. Participants focused on improving the efficiency of freight transportation and unlocking the union’s transit potential across Eurasia.

Marat Shakenov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, spoke at the plenary session of the sixth meeting of the heads of railway administrations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states. During the discussion, he noted that the SCO meetings have become an effective platform for analyzing joint efforts and developing new steps to develop transport links across the Eurasian region. He stated that the development of rail transportation remains a priority in Kazakhstan’s transport policy, aimed at unlocking the country’s transit potential.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announced a major upgrade to its shipping network between Asia and Northern Europe, strengthening direct port connections, optimizing transit times, and expanding market coverage. The changes will affect the company’s three key services – Griffin, Condor, and Silk. The updated rotations will begin in late March – early April 2026 and are aimed at improving shipping efficiency on one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

During a working visit to the Darbaza-Maktaaral line under construction, Kazakhstan Railways Chairman Talgat Aldybergenov met with Uzbekistan Railways President Zufar Narzullaev. The talks at Maktaaral station focused on freight traffic results and coordination of border rail infrastructure development between the two countries.

During a working visit to China, Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan Railways (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy), held talks with the management of China Railway Container Transport (CRCT). The meeting focused on strengthening transport and logistics cooperation and developing a strategic partnership between the railway administrations of Kazakhstan and China.

China-Europe Railway Express operated 3,501 freight trains in the first two months of 2026, carrying 352,000 TEU, according to China State Railway Group.

The Kazakh government has adopted a resolution expanding the Aktau Seaport Special Economic Zone to 10,000 hectares by annexing additional land parcels totaling 569.61 hectares. This decision aims to strengthen the transport and logistics potential of the Mangystau Region and further develop port infrastructure on the Caspian Sea.