Kazakh Senate ratifies transport agreements with China

Logistics centers are set to be developed in Kazakhstan and China, attracting additional transit volumes of freight along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Today, members of the Senate, an Upper House of the Kazakh Parliament, ratified an Agreement between the governments of the two countries on the TITR development. The document will facilitate the efficient use of road, rail, and maritime transport, creating favorable conditions for freight transportation. Another ratified Agreement with China focuses on the development of the Middle Corridor, particularly concerning container trains moving on the China-Europe route. It includes forecasting the annual volume of cargo transportation along the TITR, aiming to establish a sustainable system of transport operations between the two countries. The Agreement also aims to enhance transportation security by exchanging data and tracking railway trains on the territories of both states.

«In 2023, the volume of container transportation along the TITR reached 20,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). It is noteworthy that during the first four months of 2024, container shipments on this route increased by 70 percent compared to the same period last year. This significant growth underscores the increasing importance of the route in international transport and logistics chains, making the adoption of the Agreement highly relevant and timely,» said Andrei Lukin, Member of the Senate, the Upper House of the Kazakh Parliament.

An agreement outlining requirements for drivers and vehicles, as well as addressing issues related to insurance, taxation, and checkpoint controls will create favorable conditions for road transportation between Kazakhstan and China. Most importantly, the document sets norms that enable entering territories of the two states. Thus, Kazakh road carriers will be able to reach major cities and international seaports in China. Additionally, the Parliament ratified an Agreement on International Combined Freight Transport among the governments of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). All documents have been sent for signature to the Head of State.