Kazakhstan focuses on cross-border hubs to expand trade with neighbors

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To accelerate trade interactions with neighboring countries, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has tasked the government with establishing comprehensive transport and logistics hubs in Central Asia and the Caspian region, reports the press service of the Kazakhstan's Government.

At a government meeting, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev reported that transport, logistics, and trade centers are being developed along Kazakhstan's borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation, and the Caspian coast. These centers aim to enhance cross-border trade, boost non-resource exports by 30%, and simplify logistics procedures for businesses.

The "Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex" project will be located near one of the busiest transit checkpoints, "Karasu" on the Kazakh side and "Ak-Tilek" on the Kyrgyz side, part of the international highway corridor "Western Europe – Western China."

“The complex will provide storage and pre-sale preparation services, as well as consolidation and redistribution of goods in wholesale batches. Currently, a pool of potential residents for the ITLC is being formed. The complex will feature a simplified border system and vehicle and cargo registration facilities, with goods transported via a new bridge, significantly reducing congestion at existing checkpoints. Construction is set to begin in 2025,” the minister stated.

Another international industrial cooperation center, "Central Asia," will become the region’s largest hub for cargo consolidation, processing, distribution, and industrial cooperation within the "North-South" corridor. The center will be located near the "Atameken" (Kazakhstan) and "Gulistan" (Uzbekistan) checkpoints and will include production facilities, storage warehouses, and transport infrastructure. This will accelerate cargo delivery, reduce logistics costs, streamline supply chains, lower end-product costs for consumers, and increase delivery speeds.

CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 11, 2024