Mazhilis ratifies agreements on development of international freight transportation

By 2027, the transshipment of goods from China to Europe through Kazakhstan could reach 10 million tonnes. The Mazhilis, a Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament, has ratified a series of freight agreements between Kazakhstan and China. One of these documents specifically focuses on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Freight traffic along this route increased by 65 percent in 2023 and by 14 percent in the first four months of 2024. Besides, there is positive dynamics in container transportation, with a growth of over 70 percent from January to April. Additionally, the agreement provides for the launch of a digital transport corridor program and aims to reduce the transit time for goods by half. The MPs ratified another intergovernmental agreement with China regarding international road transport, which also doubled last year. 

“The agreement includes provisions for the implementation of information technologies and the improvement of transportation processes, which allow carriers from both sides to enter each other’s territories. Thus, Kazakh road carriers will be able to reach major cargo-generating cities as well as international seaports in China. Also, according to the agreement, freight transportation will be carried out on a permit basis, enabling the regulation of equal participation of carriers from both sides in road transportation,” said Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev.

The Mazhilis has also ratified the Agreement on International Combined Freight Transportation between the governments of member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). It aims to develop transit and transport potential as well as trade and economic relations. The freight transportation volume between Kazakhstan and the OTS countries amounted to nearly 35 million tonnes, with a 20 percent growth over the year.

“The Agreement’s adoption lays the groundwork for further increasing the volume of transit freight transportation through Kazakhstan, which will positively impact the country’s transport and transit potential. A Joint Committee for the Development of Transportation between the OTS countries will be established to implement the Agreement provisions,” added Karabayev.

Web-editor: Aizhan