Intermodal

The 21st meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan took place in Almaty. Prime Ministers Olzhas Bektenov and Abdulla Aripov discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda and the implementation of the agreements of the heads of state. The focus was on projects aimed at strengthening trade, economic, investment and water-energy ties, as well as cooperation in the transport, industrial and agricultural spheres.

Kazakh President Kasim-Jomart Tokayev signed three laws expanding cooperation with China in the transport sector. New laws include the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the Government of China on the Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, an agreement on the development of this route for China-Europe container trains and an agreement on international road transport. The documents provide for granting Kazakh trucks permission to enter deep into Chinese territory, and Chinese trucks – deep into Kazakhstan.

Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Ruhr has opened a new covered terminal and specialized equipment for loading grain from Ukraine at Terminal 4 of the Port of Duisburg. Previously, it was sent through the port of Odessa, but now the railway route through Ukraine, Poland and Germany is used. Upon arrival in Duisburg, the grain is transferred from containers to river vessels, allowing sensitive cargo to be quickly transported to its next destination by coordinating the arrival of rail and shipping services.

The 15th meeting of the dialogue platform “Kazakhstan-European Union” was held in Astana, at which issues of expanding trade, economic and investment interaction, as well as the joint implementation of projects in the field of transport and logistics were discussed. The European Union remains a key partner of Kazakhstan, providing more than 40% of attracted investments and about 30% of foreign trade.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CITIC Group Xi Guohua, where they discussed the implementation of joint Kazakh-Chinese infrastructure projects and strengthening cooperation in energy and industry. Currently, with the participation of the CITIC Group, large projects for the reconstruction of roads are being implemented, including the Taldykorgan – Ust-Kamenogorsk and Karaganda – Balkhash highways.

Kazakhstan and Pakistan are discussing prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. The meeting of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Erzhan Kistafin with the Federal Minister of Communications, Privatization and Investment Board of Pakistan Abdul Alim Khan was devoted to discussing the transit opportunities of Pakistan and the main corridors along which cargo transportation from Kazakhstan through the sea ports of Pakistan is carried out.

At the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, participants signed 25 cooperation documents, focusing on economic issues. The event was the admission of Belarus to the SCO, which became the tenth member of the organization along with India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying three transport agreements with China. One of them concerns the development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, including China-Europe container trains. This document provides for the creation of a joint working group on cargo transportation through the Middle Corridor.

Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna JSC Nurlan Zhakupov signed an agreement on joint management of the investment fund with the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikail Jabbarov. The signing ceremony was attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

During a meeting of the SCO Business Council, the General Director of STC “Kazlogistics” Talgat Lesov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the President of the Global Logistics Alliance Grace Sun from China. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen partnerships and jointly promote innovative solutions in the field of transport and logistics.