Kazakhstan, China Strengthen Logistics Ties with New Rail Cooperation Deal

In a significant step to enhance transport and logistics ties, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan Railways) and China Railway have signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement.

This move aligns with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s foreign policy goals aimed at strengthening connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

The agreement was formalized during an official meeting between Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan Railways, and Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Railway.

Replacing the 2014 agreement, the new pact reflects the evolving priorities of both nations and focuses on several key areas, including the development of international transport corridors through Kazakhstan, China, and neighboring countries, and expanding the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to increase cargo flows on the China-Europe axis.

Infrastructure projects to boost capacity, enhanced container transportation cooperation, and operational improvements through optimized routing and scheduling are also prioritized. The agreement emphasizes harmonizing regulatory frameworks to simplify cross-border transit, promoting competitive tariff policies, and implementing digital technologies to enhance safety and automation.

This strategic cooperation is expected to accelerate cargo movement along the vital China-Europe route, elevate the status of the Trans-Caspian corridor, and solidify Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit hub in Eurasia.