Tokayev says Kazakhstan to cut China-Europe cargo transit time from 5 to 3 days
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the new Aral-Caspian highway will cut cargo delivery time across Kazakhstan from five days to three days. He made the statement in an interview with China's Xinhua agency, emphasizing Kazakhstan's role as a key transit bridge between China and Europe.
Key Facts
- About 85 percent of all land transit cargo from China to Europe passes through Kazakhstan.
- In 2025, rail freight volume between Kazakhstan and China exceeded 35 million tonnes.
- Road freight volume reached about 8 million tonnes last year, up 40 percent from the previous year.
- More than 100 regular passenger flights operate weekly between Kazakhstan and China, covering 21 routes.
- An intergovernmental agreement was signed during Tokayev's recent visit to Shanghai to build the second track of the Dostyk–Alashankou railway.
Transit Corridor Expansion
Tokayev said Kazakhstan fully supports China's Belt and Road Initiative and is ready to actively participate in further aligning national strategies. He noted that the initiative was first announced in Astana by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The new Aral-Caspian highway will double east-west throughput capacity and reduce cargo delivery time across Kazakhstan from five days to three days. Tokayev said he recently gave official permission to begin construction of the highway.
Transport Volumes
Rail freight between Kazakhstan and China exceeded 35 million tonnes in 2025. Road freight reached about 8 million tonnes last year, a 40 percent increase over the previous year. More than 100 regular passenger flights operate weekly between the two countries, covering 21 routes. The geography of routes connecting major cities and regions of both countries is expanding every year.
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