Tokayev outlines Kazakhstan's Eurasian transport hub ambitions in Xinhua interview

September 9, 2026 at 11:28 AM1 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the country aims to become Eurasia's main transport and logistics hub in a written interview with Xinhua. He cited nearly 85% of China-Europe land transit passing through Kazakhstan and railway freight exceeding 35 million tonnes last year. The statement comes as Kazakhstan develops new routes to double East-West capacity.

Key Facts

Nearly 85% of land transit between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan, Tokayev said.
Railway freight across the border exceeded 35 million tonnes last year.
Road freight grew 40% to 8 million tonnes over the year.
The Aral-Caspian highway is expected to double East-West capacity and cut domestic delivery time from five to three days.
The Ayagoz-Tacheng railway line will add up to 20 million tonnes of freight capacity.

Transit Volumes

Tokayev said nearly 85% of land transit between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan. Railway freight across the border exceeded 35 million tonnes last year. Road freight increased 40% to 8 million tonnes over the same period.

New Routes

The Aral-Caspian highway is expected to double East-West capacity and reduce domestic delivery time from five to three days. The second Dostyk-Alashankou railway line will also double border crossing capacity. The Ayagoz-Tacheng line will allow an additional 20 million tonnes of freight.

Middle Corridor

Tokayev highlighted development of the Middle Corridor, aiming to make it faster and more competitive through digital document flow, automated border control, and smart customs. The stated goal is to move beyond a transit-only role and turn Kazakhstan into a full-fledged center of Eurasian transport connectivity.