Kazakhstan, China sign strategic rail agreement to boost Trans-Caspian Transport Route

ALMATY. July 9 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan's national railway operator, and China State Railway Group have signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement aimed at developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), KTZ's press service said.

"The parties agreed to promote the development of international Eurasian routes, including the TITR, to improve infrastructure connectivity, and to implement joint investment projects - modernizing and constructing railways, logistics facilities, and multimodal terminals," it said.

Key priorities include expanding container shipments and implementing digital solutions in cross-border rail operations.

KTZ is confident that the document will serve as a catalyst for increasing freight traffic along the China-Europe route. "The signed agreement reflects current priorities and will provide a strong impetus for the development of China-Europe transportation, strengthening Kazakhstan's strategic role as a key transit hub in Eurasia and enhancing the appeal of the Trans-Caspian route," it said.

The state-controlled KTZ oversees Kazakhstan's rail, port, and airport infrastructure, along with freight logistics centers.