An international business conference titled “Strengthening Connectivity between Kazakhstan and the EU: Prospects and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)” took place in Brussels, organized by JSC “NC ‘Kazakhstan Temir Zholy’” (KTZ) with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium. The forum served as a major international platform for discussing the development of the Middle Corridor, bringing together over 100 representatives from government agencies, financial institutions, and leading European transport and logistics companies.
Several strategically important agreements were signed during the conference. Notably, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and SITA concluded a memorandum of cooperation on the digitalization of state-owned airports, including the implementation of biometric identification. JSC “NC ‘KazAutoZhol’” and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) finalized a $489 million loan agreement for the “Aktobe–Ulgaysyn” road project. KTZ’s subsidiary, KTZ Express, signed an agreement with Midia Marine Terminal to jointly develop infrastructure at the Romanian port of Midia, thereby enhancing the route’s capabilities in the Black Sea region.
Furthermore, KTZ Express and A.P. Moller – Maersk reached agreements to expand container shipments along the TITR and attract additional cargo volumes. The conference was attended by representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the EBRD, and the European Investment Bank, as well as major international logistics companies such as DHL Global Forwarding, HHLA International, RHENUS, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, and Ahlers Logistics. The Chairman of the Board of KTZ presented plans for developing Kazakhstan’s transport infrastructure and international terminal network, emphasizing that the interest shown by European partners confirms Kazakhstan’s growing role as a key link in transcontinental logistics.