Central Asia

Comprehensive measures taken in recent years to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) have contributed to a significant increase in cargo traffic. In the first seven months of 2024, about 4.2 million tons of cargo were transported through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, which is the same as last year. However, the volume of transportation via the TITR increased by 63% and reached 2.5 million tons, with Chinese transit increasing more than 14 times.

At the first transport trade and export forum in Aktau, representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed the prospects for the construction of a new railway line Turgundi – Herat – Kandahar – Spin Buldak. This line should pass from the western border of Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan, reaching India, which opens up new opportunities for regional trade.

In anticipation of mass transportation of coal and grain, KTZ – Freight Transportation LLP decided to create specialized headquarters to manage these types of cargo. This decision was made at an operational meeting with the regions, where the general director of the company, Vladimir Petrov, ordered the creation of coal and grain headquarters.

In the first quarter of 2024, the volume of maritime cargo transportation in Kazakhstan increased 4.2 times compared to the same period of the previous year, reports the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan. According to the data, from January to March this year, about 0.654 million tons of cargo were transported by sea, which exceeds last year’s figure by 318.4%.

Kazakhstan is actively advancing the development of its segment within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor. Official data reveals a substantial surge, with 2.5 million tons of goods transshipped through the Aktau and Kuryk seaports along the TITR route during the first 11 months of 2023, marking a notable 107 percent increase compared to the previous year. In a landmark move, Kazakh oil made its inaugural journey along the Middle Corridor in 2023.

Hapag-Lloyd AG and Maersk A/S, entities under A.P. Moller – Maersk, are set to embark on a groundbreaking collaboration named “Gemini Cooperation”, scheduled to commence operations in February 2025. This strategic partnership aims to establish a highly flexible and interconnected ocean network renowned for its industry-leading reliability. The fleet pool will consist of approximately 290 vessels, boasting a combined capacity of 3.4 million containers (TEU), with Maersk contributing 60% and Hapag-Lloyd 40%.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Enhanced Partnership Agreement, the EU strategy for Central Asia, and also highlighted the role of the European Union as the largest trade and investment partner. The transit and transport sector, especially through the Trans-Caspian route, has been highlighted as an important area with increasing traffic volumes and significance in the supply chain of goods from China to Europe. The Prime Minister also noted the upcoming investor forum on sustainable development of transport links, where Kazakhstan will be represented as part of the Global Gateway initiative.

In Astana, a meeting was held between Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev and the Ambassador of Romania to Kazakhstan Madalina Lupu, where prospects for cooperation in the transport, logistics and aviation sectors were discussed. According to the Ministry of Transport, the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan is expected to visit Romania soon to discuss the development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route to improve transport links with Europe. It is also planned to sign a memorandum on the development of cooperation within the framework of TITM during the upcoming visit, Lastaev emphasized, expressing hope for further successful cooperation between the countries in the field of transport.

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the rating of the national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). The upgrade from Baa3 to Baa2 reflects the sustained improvement in KTZ’s operating and financial performance coupled with improved credit metrics.

PSA International Pte Ltd (PSA) celebrates a historic achievement, setting a new container volume record of 94.8 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) across its global port terminals in the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2023. The remarkable performance was driven by PSA’s flagship terminal in Singapore, which contributed 38.8 million TEUs, marking a 4.8% increase, while PSA terminals outside Singapore handled 56 million TEUs, reflecting a 3.9% growth. In comparison to the corresponding period in 2022, the overall volume of the Group experienced a significant 4.3% uptick.