A bilateral meeting took place in Astana between Zhanibek Taizhanov, Vice-Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, and Sergio Olleta Jose, Head of the Sustainable Transport and Urban Development Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The parties focused primarily on the current status and achievements of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, noting the growth in transit traffic, reduced cargo delivery times, and plans for further increasing container transport volumes.
A separate segment of the discussion was dedicated to the development of port infrastructure in the Caspian region. The Kazakh side presented information regarding the modernization of berths at the Aktau seaport – supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU – as well as the expansion of ferry services and the renewal of the fleet in the Caspian Sea. The parties also reviewed the implementation of key railway projects aimed at enhancing the corridor’s throughput capacity and strengthening regional connectivity.
Furthermore, issues related to the digitalization of transport and logistics processes were discussed, including the implementation of electronic document management systems and customs clearance procedures, as well as the transition to an electronic exchange of permits for international road transport. Kazakhstan invited EU countries to join these initiatives. Following the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing their partnership and strengthening the Trans-Caspian Corridor as a sustainable and competitive route connecting Asia and Europe.