In a recent government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, it was reported that Kazakhstan has seen a significant surge in road freight transportation during the first three quarters of this year. The volume of goods transported by road reached 5.5 million tons, marking a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth trend is also reflected in transit transportation, which has risen by a whopping 44%, climbing from 2.5 to 3.6 million tons.
The driving force behind this uptick is the marked increase in cargo transportation to China. Transport volumes have doubled, reaching 1.5 million tons. This surge illustrates the vast potential for further amplifying the volume of transit cargo moving from China to Europe. If the current dynamics persist, transit through Kazakhstan could multiply five-fold by 2029, providing a substantial boost to the country’s economic development.
Prime Minister Smailov underscored the vital role of developed road freight transportation in shaping the economy. It has direct impacts across all sectors, making it a key factor in the nation’s economic landscape. Currently, eight international highway corridors traverse the territory of Kazakhstan, spanning a total length of approximately 13,000 km. These include the Western Europe – Western China route.
This promising growth trajectory in road freight transportation positions Kazakhstan as a strategic player in the international logistics and transportation arena. It also underpins the country’s commitment to bolstering its economic infrastructure and enhancing its trade relationships, particularly with neighboring China. As we move into 2024, Kazakhstan’s transportation sector seems poised for further expansion and success.