Tokayev proposes partnership network of large ports and logistics centers with China as part of Trans-Caspian route

ASTANA. Oct 18 (Interfax) - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev voiced a proposal to create a partnership network of large ports, logistics centers and postal hubs with China as part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), the presidential press service said.

The President recalled that two intergovernmental agreements on the development of the Trans-Caspian route were signed between Kazakhstan and China. "I am confident that they will soon bring tangible results. To more effectively coordinate our efforts, I propose to create a partnership network of large strategic ports, logistics centers and postal hubs," Tokayev said at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum in Beijing.

The head of state also noted Kazakhstan's interest "in establishing joint production of transport ships and containers."

"Kazakhstan is ready to become a reliable air bridge and a convenient harbor for the world's leading airlines, ensuring sustainable passenger and cargo traffic," Tokayev said.

He emphasized that the TITR, which connects China, Central Asia and Europe, can become a "continental bridge of the Belt and Road," halving cargo transportation times and significantly reducing transport costs.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route runs through China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and further to Turkey and European countries. The volume of cargo transportation along the TITR could increase 17.6% in 2023 compared to 2022 to 2 million tonnes. The route's throughput capacity is expected to reach 10 million tonnes per year by 2025.

According to Kazakh railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the volume of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian international transport route through Kazakhstan in January-July 2023 increased almost 90% compared to the same period in 2022 to 1.6 million tonnes.