Tokayev proposes China jointly set new standards for global logistics

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a crucial transport and logistics hub, aiming to bridge China with Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Europe. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev articulated this strategic goal, emphasizing that 13 international transport corridors already traverse the country, handling approximately 85 percent of rail freight between China and Europe. Over the past 15 years, Kazakhstan has invested over $35 billion in its transport and logistics infrastructure, including new railway lines and increased capacity along the Trans-Caspian route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

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Kazakhstan must become a key transport and logistics hub linking China with Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Europe. This is our strategic goal.

Tokayev stressed that modern competitiveness in transport hinges not just on infrastructure quality but also on digital integration and transparency. To this end, Kazakhstan is establishing a unified digital ecosystem for international freight transportation, spearheaded by the Smart Cargo platform. This initiative acts as a single digital window, consolidating customs, logistics, and commercial services into a shared environment. The ultimate aim is to create a seamless digital transport space across Eurasia, enabling goods to cross borders as swiftly as data moves through a network.

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In the 21st century, it is no longer enough to measure the competitiveness of a transport corridor by the quality of its infrastructure. The success of such projects now depends primarily on the speed of data exchange, the level of digital integration and logistics transparency.

The Kazakh president extended an invitation to Chinese technology and logistics companies, as well as infrastructure investors, to partner in realizing this vision. He proposed that Kazakhstan and China jointly establish new global standards to enhance international trade efficiency. Beyond logistics, Tokayev also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the development of critical minerals, noting Kazakhstan's significant reserves and its ambition to produce high value-added products with international partners.

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I believe Kazakhstan and China can jointly set new global standards that will improve the efficiency of international trade.