Central Asia

KTZ Express CEO Daniyar Kozhakhmetov spoke to EuroNews about Kazakhstan’s strategic role in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), connecting China and Europe via the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus. The focus is on the modernization of logistics infrastructure and the creation of the largest container hub in the Caspian Sea in the port of Aktau with a capacity of 240,000 TEU per year, implemented with the participation of KTZ Express.

The Khorgos checkpoint has demonstrated steady growth in cargo traffic: 22.2 million tons of cargo were transported through it in the first half of 2025, which is 4.3% more than in the same period last year. According to the Khorgos Customs, it has become the leader in terms of cargo volume among all checkpoints in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which is due to the active modernization of logistics processes and close cooperation with Kazakhstan in the railway and automobile sectors.

On July 24, the official presentation of the MSC subsidiary registered in the domestic economic zone took place in Ningbo (China). The new structure will be engaged in technical management of the fleet and recruitment of crews for the vessels of the Swiss shipping giant.

CEVA Logistics has launched its first international TIR centre in Alashankou, China, on the border with Kazakhstan. The new 4,300 sqm logistics hub is located in the E-Commerce Industrial Park within the Comprehensive Customs Zone and includes an additional 1,000 sqm area for handling hazardous goods. Local authorities attended the opening of the centre, emphasizing the importance of the project for the region.

A meeting on the development of the maritime industry was held under the chairmanship of Zhanibek Tayzhanov, head of the Committee for Railway and Water Transport of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Aktau and Kuryk seaports, KTZ, Kazmortransflot, the Maritime Administration and other relevant structures took part in the discussion.

The government of Montenegro has approved the sale of the fleet of the state shipping company Crnogorska Plovidba due to its inability to service a loan previously received from the Export-Import Bank of China for the construction of two Handysize bulk carriers. The company’s debt to the state exceeds 37 million euros.

From January to June 2025, 550.7 million tons of cargo were transported in Kazakhstan, which is 10.9% or 54.1 million tons more than in the same period last year. This was reported by the Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev.

CORRECTION / RETRACTION

The first passenger carriage manufactured at the Stadler Kazakhstan plant was presented to the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The carriages were designed to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of the country and are designed for 40 years of service. They feature modern engineering solutions aimed at improving passenger comfort and safety.

The State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan and the Customs Administration of China have agreed to extend the round-the-clock operation of the Nur Zholy-Khorgos checkpoints until June 30, 2026. This decision was made following a meeting between the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Zhanzhos Duisembiev and the head of the Chinese department Sun Meijun, the Committee reported.