In line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to further develop Kazakhstan’s transit potential, a delegation of Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) led by Chairman Talgat Aldybergenov paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China. On November 18, the delegation took part in the Second Forum on International Cooperation for the “China – Europe” Railway Route.
The forum featured speeches by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Shanxi Governor Zhao Gang, China Railway head Guo Zhuxue, and senior representatives from over 40 countries. Key discussions focused on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing the role of rail transport in ensuring global supply chain stability.
During the forum, an agreement was signed for China Railways, via CRCT, to join “MIDDLE CORRIDOR MULTIMODAL Ltd.” — a joint venture of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia Railways.
Aldybergenov emphasized that both Kazakh and Chinese leaders attach great importance to the corridor’s development. Over the past decade, freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China has increased more than 4.5 times, with volumes expected to reach 35 million tons in 2025.
Joint projects in Lianyungang, Khorgos, and Xi’an continue to show steady growth: container shipments have risen more than fivefold, surpassing 1.4 million TEU. The TITR also maintains positive momentum, with container train numbers up 12% this year. Xi’an leads with 46% of total shipments, exceeding 16,000 TEU.
Kazakhstan is actively investing in railway infrastructure, with 5,000 km of track under construction and modernization. This will boost border capacity with China to 100 million tons annually in the coming years.
