Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has remained dedicated to enhancing its transport and transit infrastructure, making it a prime destination for profitable investments. With a commitment of over $35 billion in the past 15 years, the country has successfully developed its transport corridors, making it a pivotal link between Europe, Central Asia, China, and South-East Asia.
At the heart of Kazakhstan’s transport success story lies the Middle Corridor, also known as TITR (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). Serving as a vital logistical solution, this corridor bridges transit flows between Europe, Central Asia, and China. Notably, it has the potential to shrink freight delivery times and significantly reduce transport costs for businesses.
In fact, the cargo volumes on the Middle Corridor have already doubled in 2022, with positive growth trends continuing into nine months of 2023. To further strengthen this route, Kazakhstan is actively collaborating with neighboring countries and regional partners to regulate tariffs. Notably, container transportation tariffs have been fixed, with plans to stabilize them for at least five years.
An important milestone in establishing the Middle Corridor as a highly efficient trade route was reached in October when Kazakh, Georgian, and Azerbaijani railways signed an agreement to create a joint venture. This partnership aims to enhance the quality of service along the corridor, allowing for smoother operations and improved connectivity.
Expanding the reach of the TITR Association is a key priority, as it enables the effective promotion of the corridor approach throughout the region. Efforts are underway to finalize procedures for the inclusion of Austrian Rail Cargo and other cargo operators from Germany by the end of the year. Moreover, countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Hungary have expressed interest in joining the Association, affirming the growing international recognition of Kazakhstan’s transport potential.
Recent high-level discussions with European Commissioners Adina Valean and Maros Ševčovič, alongside EBRD President Odina Renaud-Basso in Brussels, have further solidified the practical partnership between Kazakhstan and Europe. Noteworthy collaborations with renowned European enterprises such as Maersk, Alstom, DB Engineering, HHLA, Stadler, Jan De Nul, and MSC demonstrate the mutual interest in leveraging Kazakhstan’s transport infrastructure.
Furthermore, during President Tokayev’s visit to the United States in September 2023, a groundbreaking $1-billion agreement was signed with WABTEC, a global provider of technology and digital solutions for railway transport. This collaboration signifies the trust and recognition of Kazakhstan’s commitment to modernizing its transport industry.
Today, Kazakhstan stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic investments in the transport sector. As the Middle Corridor continues to develop and attract leading international partners, Kazakhstan’s vision of becoming a seamless bridge connecting global markets is gradually transforming into reality. With a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key player in the world of land transport, unlocking unlimited possibilities for economic growth and prosperity.
Market Capital Research 