Kazakhstan and China are ramping up efforts to transform the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route into a major Eurasian logistics artery, following high-level talks in Beijing.

At the 16th meeting of the bilateral subcommittee on railway transport cooperation, co-chaired by Kazakh Transport Vice Minister Zhanibek Taizhanov and Deputy Director-General of the National Railway Administration of China Wu Dejin, both sides outlined plans to significantly boost transit capacity and modernize infrastructure, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Rail freight volumes between the two countries are already on the rise, driven by growing demand for faster and more reliable routes linking Asia and Europe. Officials highlighted ongoing upgrades across key rail networks and logistics hubs as a foundation for future growth.

A central focus of the talks was the expansion of the Trans-Caspian route, also known as the Middle Corridor. Both sides stressed its strategic importance and confirmed plans to upgrade port infrastructure in Aktau and Kuryk. The goal: scale operations to handle up to 3,000 container trains annually by 2029.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a long-term transit program, covering border crossings, port capacity, logistics centers, railway engineering, and digital solutions aimed at streamlining cargo flows.

In parallel, Taizhanov also held talks with China Harbour Engineering Company Co., Ltd. on the Ayagoz-Bakhty railway project, a key link expected to further enhance connectivity.

Momentum is already building. Freight volumes along the Trans-Caspian corridor have surged sixfold, underscoring its growing role as a vital trade bridge between East and West.