Central Asia

In Kazakhstan, work continues on the Darbaza–Maktaaral railway line project, which involves the construction of one of the route’s largest infrastructure assets: a steel bridge spanning the Syr Darya River, measuring over 500 meters in length. This six-span structure will serve as a vital component of the new 152-kilometer line, establishing an additional rail link between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

STC “Kazlogistics,” represented by Mukhtar Tolegen, Executive Director for Transport Logistics, participated in the regional seminar “Strengthening Transport Connectivity and Competitiveness in the SPECA Region,” held in Almaty from May 13 to 15. The event was organized within the framework of the GIZ Trade Facilitation in Central Asia program and the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, with the support of the German government and co-financing from the European Union, in cooperation with UNECE and UNESCAP. The meeting brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the business community, and experts from the transport and logistics sectors of the region’s countries.

Leapmotor International (a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor) has strengthened its logistics cooperation with Italy’s Grimaldi Group, significantly scaling up the transport of vehicles from China to Europe. Over the past 18 months, nearly 100,000 cars have been shipped, including more than 20,000 units delivered in the first quarter of 2026 alone. To support rising volumes, the partners operated a structured program of 15 ocean voyages during Q1 2026, linking Chinese export hubs with major European ports such as Antwerp, Bristol, Valencia, Vigo, Setúbal, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Gioia Tauro.

The state-owned China Energy Investment Corp (CHN Energy) continues to advance the construction of a second railway line connecting China and Mongolia – a project designed to bolster transport connectivity and expand trade cooperation between the two nations. According to China Daily, the new railway will feature a dual-gauge format, utilizing both standard and broad-gauge tracks. The line is scheduled to enter into commercial operation in 2027.

Zhaslan Zhagparov, Deputy Director General of the Union of Transport Workers of Kazakhstan “Kazlogistics,” spoke during the panel discussion “Development of the Middle Corridor” at the First Kazakh-German Transport and Logistics Forum, titled “Digitalization, Human Capital, and Transit Opportunities.” The event took place in Almaty at Satbayev University and brought together representatives from the transport and logistics industry, government agencies, and international organizations.

On May 13–14, 2026, the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of the Member States of the Commonwealth was held in Ashgabat, attended by heads of railway administrations from CIS countries, representatives of international organizations, and associate members of the Council. The delegation from JSC NC KTZ was led by the company’s Deputy Chairman, Anuar Akhmetzhanov. The meeting’s primary themes included the development of international transport corridors, the enhancement of freight and passenger transportation services, and the digital transformation of the industry.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting dedicated to the implementation of the Head of State’s directives regarding the establishment of a national cargo airline and the development of maritime and railway transportation. The discussion was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, and the Turlov Private holding company, who presented their approaches to organizing operations and ensuring the sustainable development of the cargo carrier.

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) held a naming ceremony for its new vessel, the OOCL Wisdom – the first in a series of seven container ships. The event took place at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) shipyard, where the vessel was officially christened in the presence of industry representatives and guests.

The regional operating environment is being shaped by the conflict in the Middle East, which continues to disrupt both maritime and air cargo flows. Against this backdrop, intra-regional trade within Asia is demonstrating resilience; however, extended transit routes necessitate heightened flexibility, transparency, and integrated logistics solutions. Experts note that the ability to rapidly adapt routes and maintain supply stability has emerged as a critical success factor.

Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, held a meeting with Huawei’s top management—Philippe Gan, President of the Middle East and Central Asia Region, and Derek Hao, President of Enterprise Sales for the region. The primary focus of the negotiations was the development of digital solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of freight transportation management.