Cross-border transport dispute: Kyrgyzstan accuses Kazakhstan of restricting carriers

The slogan "Kyrgyz-Kazakh brothers" is being tested as economic interests clash between transport companies of the two neighboring nations. In recent years, confrontations, both verbal and legal, have escalated between drivers of tourist transport. The core of the conflict lies in the lucrative tourism market, particularly routes to Almaty, a key destination for Kyrgyz tour operators.

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Kyrgyz-Kazakh brothers

Kazakh companies have increasingly developed short tours into Kyrgyzstan. Traditionally, Kazakh buses would transport tourists to the border, where passengers would then switch to cheaper, more adaptable Kyrgyz transport for local travel. This cost difference is significant: a one-day tour using Kyrgyz transport might cost around 22,000 soms, while Kazakh transport could cost upwards of 35,000 soms. This disparity has fueled resentment among some Kazakh carriers, who question why Kyrgyz transporters can operate within Kyrgyzstan while they face restrictions in Kazakhstan.

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The situation changed when Kazakh tour firms began to actively develop one-day and two-day tours to Kyrgyzstan. Usually, Kazakh buses would take tourists to the border, after which groups would transfer to Kyrgyz transport, cheaper and adapted to mountain roads.

Kyrgyz tour operators continue to rely on their own vehicles primarily due to cost-effectiveness. A trip to Almaty might cost a traveler 2,500 soms using Kyrgyz transport, compared to an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 soms if they were forced to use Kazakh services. This economic advantage is central to the ongoing dispute.

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The essence is profit. Kazakh transporters do not agree to the amount that Kyrgyz agree to. If you switch to local transport, a trip to Almaty will increase from about 2,500 to 3,500-4,000 soms per person.

Adding to the tension, the General Consulate of the Kyrgyz Republic in Almaty has reminded Kyrgyz carriers of Kazakhstan's regulations. Kazakh law, specifically Article 575 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, imposes a fine of 432,500 tenge for violating international transport rules. Kyrgyz transporters are legally confined to providing transport services within their permitted routes and documentation. Engaging in activities like organizing hotel visits, accompanying tourists to attractions, or acting as guides is prohibited and can be classified as illegal entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. Similar restrictions apply to foreign carriers, including those from Kazakhstan, operating within Kyrgyzstan.

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Kyrgyz transporters are obliged to carry out activities exclusively within the framework of the transport function, observing the conditions of permits and established routes. Providing tourist services, including organizing visits to hotels, accompanying tourists to attractions, and performing guide functions, is not allowed.