Tokayev proposes China jointly set new standards for global logistics

“Kazakhstan must become a key transport and logistics hub linking China with Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Europe. This is our strategic goal. Today, 13 international transport corridors pass through the country. Around 85 percent of rail freight between China and Europe is carried out through Kazakhstan,” the Head of State said at a meeting with heads of Chinese high-tech companies.

Tokayev noted that over the past 15 years, the state has invested more than $35 billion in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure.

“We are building new railway lines and increasing the capacity for cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian route, or the Middle Corridor. In the 21st century, it is no longer enough to measure the competitiveness of a transport corridor by the quality of its infrastructure. The success of such projects now depends primarily on the speed of data exchange, the level of digital integration and logistics transparency. Therefore, we are laying the foundation for a unified digital ecosystem in the field of international freight transportation,” the President said.

The Head of State emphasized that Kazakhstan’s key project in this area is the Smart Cargo platform. It is a single digital window that brings customs, logistics and commercial services together in a shared digital environment.

“The main goal is to create a unified digital transport space in Eurasia. In other words, we must create a space where goods cross borders as quickly and efficiently as data is transmitted through a digital network. I believe Kazakhstan and China can jointly set new global standards that will improve the efficiency of international trade. I invite Chinese companies working in technology and logistics, as well as infrastructure investors, to take an active part in implementing this large-scale initiative,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President also outlined prospects for cooperation in the development of critical minerals.

He noted that Kazakhstan is among the world leaders in reserves of a number of strategic resources and intends to develop the production of high value-added products together with international partners.