Kazakh, Uzbek PMs discuss boosting Middle Corridor freight volumes

July 23, 2026 at 06:13 PM2 min

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Prime Ministers Olzhas Bektenov and Abdulla Aripov visited the Aktau International Sea Trade Port on Wednesday to discuss expanding freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). Bektenov stated Kazakhstan is ready to expand transit of Uzbek export cargo through the Aktau and Kuryk ports. The visit took place within the framework of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission.

Port Infrastructure

The Aktau port, covering 44 hectares, can handle up to 12 million tonnes of cargo annually and operates year-round to Caucasus, Central Asia, and Caspian countries. Kazakhstan completed dredging at Kuryk port in 2025, the first among Caspian states, and plans to finish similar work at Aktau by end-2026 to allow fully laden vessels and increase capacity. Combined capacity of Aktau and Kuryk ports is about 22 million tonnes per year, according to Kazakhstan Railways Chairman Yelzhas Otynshiyev.

Container Growth

Container transit along the Middle Corridor through Kazakh ports grew 3.8 times between 2022 and 2025. The first phase of a container hub at Aktau with capacity of 140,000 TEUs per year has been commissioned; after the second phase, total capacity will reach 240,000 TEUs by 2027-2028. Orders have been placed for six container vessels, with four to be delivered in 2027 and two in 2028. Railway upgrades on the Shalkar-Beyneu and Beyneu-Mangystau sections have been completed to ensure uninterrupted freight flow to the ports.

Uzbek Cargo Boost

In 2025, processing of Uzbek cargo through Aktau and Kuryk ports increased by over 60%. Favorable tariff conditions have been established for shippers. Bektenov emphasized that Kazakhstan prioritizes developing maritime and railway infrastructure to provide Central Asian countries fast and reliable access to Caucasus, Turkey, and European markets. The prime ministers instructed Kazakhstan Railways and Uzbekistan Railways to jointly develop a concrete plan to increase transport volumes.