Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, held talks with Zufar Narzullaev, Head of JSC Uzbekistan Temir Yullari. During the meeting, the parties focused on expanding cargo flows toward the Kazakhstani ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as on the synchronized development of the railway infrastructure of both countries.
On May 22, 2026, a roundtable discussion was held in Almaty at ALT University (named after M. Tynyshpayev), dedicated to the integration of science, education, business, and production logistics with the aim of establishing a unified digital transport and logistics system for Kazakhstan. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, transport and logistics companies, the scientific and educational community, as well as industry experts. The Union of Transport Workers of Kazakhstan – KAZLOGISTICS – was represented at the meeting by its Director General, Kanat Almagambetov.
The Ministries of Transport of Kazakhstan and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first state visit of Kenyan President William Ruto to Kazakhstan. Following the negotiations, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that combining the transport potential of the two countries would enable the opening of new export routes and strengthen trade ties between Central Asia and Africa. The parties paid particular attention to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and its integration with key maritime corridors in East Africa.
Logistics operator Rohlig SUUS Logistics continues to expand its presence in Central Asia and has announced the opening of a new subsidiary in Uzbekistan. The new office has commenced operations in Tashkent, marking the company’s next strategic step following its entry into the Kazakhstani market. SUUS noted that this decision is driven by Central Asia’s growing role in international trade and increased business interest in the region’s emerging markets.
China continues to expand its use of the international TIR system for shipments under customs seals, thereby accelerating overland cargo flows between Asian and European nations. This new mechanism combines the advantages of free customs zones with streamlined TIR procedures, resulting in fewer transshipments and inspections, while allowing for the deferral of import duty payments to a later stage.
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.
