KTZ Strengthens Kazakhstan's Position as a Key Transit Hub Between China and Europe

18-11-2025

In fulfillment of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to further develop the country's transit potential, a delegation from NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, led by Chairman of the Management Board Talgat Aldybergenov, is on a working visit to the People's Republic of China, where on November 18, they participated in the Second China-Europe Railway Route International Cooperation Forum. 

The Forum featured speeches by Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang, Governor of Shanxi Province Zhao Gang, Chairman of China Railways Guo Zhuxue, and other high-ranking government officials from over 40 countries.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing the role of rail transport in ensuring the stability of global supplies.
 

During the forum, an agreement was signed to connect Chinese railways through CRCT to ‘MIDDLE CORRIDOR MULTIMODAL’ Ltd., a joint venture between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgian Railways.

Speaking at the forum, Talgat Aldybergenov emphasized the importance of the route's development to the leaders of Kazakhstan and China. Previously, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in their speeches that strengthening ties along the China-Central Asia-Europe route is in line with the countries' shared strategic interests and opens up new opportunities for sustainable trade and growth.
 

Thus, transportation between Kazakhstan and China has increased more than 4.5-fold over the past 10 years. It is expected to reach 35 million tons in 2025 (over 29 million tons have already been transported in the first 10 months, an 11% increase compared to last year).

Kazakhstan-China cooperation projects in Lianyungang, Khorgos, Xi'an, and other transport hubs are demonstrating steady growth. Container shipments have more than quintupled over the past decade, exceeding 1.4 million TEUs.

Positive momentum is also continuing on the Trans-Caucasian International Transport Route (TITR): the number of container trains has increased by 12% in the first 10 months of this year. Xi'an leads the way in shipments, accounting for 46% of the total volume, or over 16,000 TEUs.
 

It should be noted that to meet growing demand, Kazakhstan is actively investing in railway infrastructure. Construction and modernization of 5,000 km of track is underway, which will increase throughput capacity on the border with China to 100 million tons per year in the coming years.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»