ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 22. Kazakhstan and the
European Union have outlined comprehensive plans to scale up cargo
volumes along the Middle Corridor and implement deep digitalization
across international transport routes connecting Asia and Europe,
Trend reports via the
country's Ministry of Transport.
The initiatives were discussed during a meeting between
Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport, Zhanibek Taizhanov, and
Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of the Sustainable Transport and Urban
Development Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General
for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
The discussions centered on the current performance and next
development phases of the Trans-Caspian International Transport
Route (TITR). Both sides mapped out plans to aggressively increase
container transport volumes along the corridor.
The Kazakh delegation detailed the ongoing reconstruction of
berths at the Port of Aktau, a project moving forward with
financial backing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) and the EU. Future plans also include the
construction of new commercial vessels and the expansion of Caspian
ferry connections.
The officials reviewed progress on key railway infrastructure
upgrades designed to eliminate bottlenecks, expand throughput
capacity, and enhance broader regional connectivity between Central
Asia and Europe.
In addition, both parties reviewed the deployment of electronic
document management systems and automated customs clearance
platforms. Kazakhstan highlighted plans for a full transition to
digital permits for international road freight operations, formally
inviting EU member states to integrate into the electronic exchange
platform.
