Kazakhstan and China are expanding transport
links. Representatives of the relevant agencies of the two countries discussed
the creation of a multimodal transit corridor ‘Russia – Kazakhstan – China’ along
the Irtysh river and a river route along the Ili river from the city of Konayev
to Yining during an industry forum in Astana. These initiatives are expected to
relieve pressure on transport arteries and improve the efficiency of freight
movement. Forum participants also addressed the construction of a joint
container hub at the Aktau port, with its throughput capacity set to increase
from 140,000 to 240,000 containers per year. The volume of export-import road
transportation with China rose by 82% in the first quarter of 2025 alone. The
sides also touched upon the construction of a new road bridge for trucks at the
Maikapshagai – Zimunai border checkpoint, the opening of a third air corridor,
and the increase in weekly flights to 65. An agreement was also reached on
launching a passenger train on the Almaty-Xi’an route.
«This year, following the full commissioning
of the second railway line Dostyk-Moiynty, the capacity between our countries will
increase to 62 million tonnes, up from the current 28 million tonnes. By the
end of 2027, with the launch of the Bakhty–Ayagoz route, the capacity between
Kazakhstan and China is expected to reach 100 million tonnes, marking a
threefold increase over the next three years,» noted Kazakh Minister of
Transport Marat Karabayev.
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