North-South route capacity set to reach 15 million tonnes by 2027 - Tokayev
ASTANA. Nov 27 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a target to increase the capacity of the North-South route connecting Eurasia with the Gulf, Africa, and India to 15 million tonnes of cargo by 2027.
During a meeting with Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, President Tokayev emphasized the goal of enhancing the potential of the North-South route.
President Tokayev shared plans to unlock the potential of the North-South route, linking Eurasia with the Gulf, Africa, and India, aiming for a 70% increase from the current 9 million tonnes of cargo to 15 million tonnes of cargo by 2027.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of developing the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in Kazakhstan. The discussions with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group also explored opportunities "for mutually beneficial collaboration in the transport and logistics sector, building on the group's extensive experience in the field."
The President praised the cooperation between Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas and ADP in transporting Kazakh oil along the Middle Corridor to Azerbaijan.
He also acknowledged the agreements between Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and ADP to set up a joint venture and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of these projects.
The collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and KMG was sealed with a strategic agreement in January 2023 during President Tokayev's UAE visit. This alliance primarily centers on advancing the Trans-Caspian international transport route and the North-South transport corridor. KTZ and Abu Dhabi Ports Group later discussed projects including the expansion of the Caspian Sea port infrastructure and the establishment of trade hubs in cities such as Astana, Aktobe, and Almaty.
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADP) operates as a key port, industrial, and logistics operator in the United Arab Emirates, representing one of the largest holding companies in the region. Its extensive portfolio spans across significant sectors within Abu Dhabi's diverse economy. ADP oversees multiple clusters that include ports, industrial cities, free zones, maritime services, logistics, and digital technologies.