Tokayev offers Laos Kazakh transport corridors and Xi'an hub for Europe access

September 3, 2026 at 03:38 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed that Laos use Kazakh transport corridors and the Kazakh logistics hub in Xi'an, China, to deliver goods to Central Asia and Europe. The initiative was discussed during expanded-format talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Astana on September 3, 2026. Tokayev also invited Lao companies to use the Astana International Financial Centre, which has attracted $27 billion in investments.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan handles about 85% of continental freight traffic between China and Europe, according to President Tokayev.
The Astana International Financial Centre has registered more than 6,300 companies from over 90 countries and attracted $27 billion in investments to Kazakhstan.
The visit of President Thongloun Sisoulith is the first official visit by a head of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan operates terminals at the ports of Batumi in Georgia and Lianyungang in China.
The two presidents adopted a joint statement on further expanding cooperation following the talks.

Transport and Logistics Proposal

Tokayev proposed that the governments of Kazakhstan and Laos prepare intergovernmental and interagency agreements in transport and logistics. He said Kazakhstan ensures about 85% of continental freight traffic between China and Europe and is developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kazakhstan has terminals at the Chinese port of Lianyungang and the Georgian port of Batumi, and has launched a logistics hub in Xi'an, China. Tokayev said Lao cargo carriers could use the Xi'an hub platform to reach Central Asian and European markets.

Trade and Investment Expansion

Kazakhstan intends to increase supplies to Laos of metallurgical, food, petrochemical, agricultural, chemical, machine-building, and pharmaceutical products. Tokayev invited Lao companies to use the Astana International Financial Centre, which has registered more than 6,300 companies from over 90 countries. The AIFC platform has attracted $27 billion in investments to Kazakhstan, according to Tokayev. Kazakhstan is interested in entering Southeast Asian markets through the territory of Laos.

Education and Cultural Cooperation

The sides discussed cooperation between universities, academic exchanges, joint specialist training, and tourism development. President Sisoulith noted that hundreds of Lao citizens have received education in Kazakhstan, many of whom later held positions in public service and business. The presidents adopted a joint statement on further expanding cooperation following the talks.