An international business conference on the theme “Strengthening the Connection between Kazakhstan and the European Union: Perspectives and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” has been held in Brussels.
According to sea-news.az referencing “Kazakhstan Railways” (KTZ) JSC, the event became one of the largest international platforms this year for discussing the development prospects of the Middle Corridor. More than 100 representatives from government agencies, international financial institutions, and Europe’s leading transport and logistics companies participated in the conference.
As a result of the event, four critical agreements with a total value of 462 million USD were reached, aimed at strengthening transport connections between Europe and Asia and developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR):
- Digitalization of Airports: A memorandum of cooperation on the digitalization of state airports, including biometric identification, was signed between SITA and the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.
- Infrastructure Loan: A loan agreement was concluded between “KazAvtoZhol” JSC and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the “Aktobe – Ulgaysyn” project.
- New Joint Project in the Black Sea: KTZ Express, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Railways, signed an agreement with “Midia Marine Terminal” regarding the execution of a joint project at Romania’s Port of Midia. The project is expected to expand the infrastructure capabilities of the route in the Black Sea and increase the efficiency of cargo handling.
- Development of Container Transportation: Agreements were reached between “KTZ Express” and “A.P. Moller – Maersk” regarding the development of container transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the attraction of additional cargo flows.
Alongside the European Commission, European Parliament, EBRD, and the European Investment Bank, representatives from global giants such as DHL Global Forwarding, HHLA International, Rhenus, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, and A.P. Moller – Maersk participated in the conference.
In his speech, Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan Railways, presented plans for expanding the country’s transport infrastructure and international terminal network, emphasizing the importance of increasing shipments along the Middle Corridor.
The outcomes of the conference once again confirmed the immense interest of European partners in accelerating the development of the Middle Corridor and ensuring the security of the regional logistics chain.
