international cargo - The Times Of Central Asia

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Import

Over Half a Million Tons of Cargo Blocked from Entering Kyrgyzstan in 2025 Over Phytosanitary Violations

In the first 11 months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s Department of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Chemicalization detected 35 cases of non-compliance with phytosanitary requirements at border checkpoints. As a result, 562.5 tons of agricultural cargo were denied entry and returned to the countries of origin. According to the agency, authorities also blocked the import of more than 70,000 plant seedlings, over 11,000 flowers, and 136 cubic meters of lumber. Diplomatic notes regarding the violations were formally sent to China and the Netherlands. Violating shipments were either returned, destroyed, or decontaminated, the agency said. Officials emphasized that phytosanitary controls are a vital component of the country’s environmental safety strategy. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of dangerous quarantine organisms and to safeguard Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural sector and export capabilities. Border Challenges with Kazakhstan and Russia Despite efforts to maintain phytosanitary integrity, Kyrgyz exporters continue to face challenges at regional borders. A significant portion of Kyrgyz agricultural exports transit through Kazakhstan to reach Russia. However, Russian authorities frequently reject these shipments, citing non-compliance with their own import standards. This has led to growing criticism of Kyrgyz representatives at the Eurasian Economic Commission, with farmers accusing them of failing to effectively advocate for the interests of domestic producers. In response, the Department of Plant Protection and Quarantine has increased outreach to farmers and freight carriers, urging them to meet export quality standards and ensure that accompanying documents are completed correctly. Compounding the issue, cargo delays at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border remain common, with transport operators sometimes waiting for several weeks. Similar bottlenecks occur periodically at the Kazakhstan-Russia border. Many Kyrgyz businesses view these delays as unjustified, given that Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are all members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which guarantees the free movement of goods among member states.

Middle Powers

Which Central Asian States Qualify as Middle Powers in 2025?

As global power shifts toward multipolarity, Central Asia’s states are emerging as active regional players. This article assesses which of the five republics—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—qualify as middle powers in 2025, based on economic strength, diplomatic reach, strategic capacity, and governance. Kazakhstan stands as the region’s only consolidated middle power, balancing fiscal stability, institutional reform, and multi-vector diplomacy. Uzbekistan is a rising aspirant, propelled by reforms but still reliant on external financing and centralized authority. The remaining states remain constrained by dependence and limited institutional depth. Together, they reflect a region increasingly capable of shaping, rather than merely absorbing, global and regional change. A comparative analysis of five Central Asian republics shows how far each has advanced toward this status. 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This article assesses which of the five republics—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—qualify as middle powers in 2025, based on economic strength, diplomatic reach, strategic capacity, and governance. Kazakhstan stands as the region’s only consolidated middle power, balancing fiscal stability, institutional reform, and multi-vector diplomacy. Uzbekistan is a rising aspirant, propelled by reforms but still reliant on external financing and centralized authority. The remaining states remain constrained by dependence and limited institutional depth. Together, they reflect a region increasingly capable of shaping, rather than merely absorbing, global and regional change. A comparative analysis of five Central Asian republics shows how far each has advanced toward this status. Economic Power Economic autonomy is a defining attribute of middle-power capability, enabling states to project influence, sustain policy independence, and finance external engagement. In Central Asia, dependence on Official Development Assistance (ODA) and remittances often reflects constrained fiscal capacity and limited domestic capital formation, while diversified, resilient economies underpin strategic autonomy. Key indicators—GDP per capita, credit ratings, debt sustainability, and export diversification—illuminate the region’s economic hierarchy. Kazakhstan stands as Central Asia’s only consolidated economic middle power. Resource-backed growth, a prudent fiscal regime, and a sovereign wealth fund (the National Fund of Kazakhstan) have anchored macroeconomic stability. With a “BBB” credit rating or equivalent from major agencies, Kazakhstan demonstrates sound debt management and policy credibility. Ongoing diversification efforts under the new economic policies—from renewables to financial modernization—aim to reduce hydrocarbon dependence and deepen integration into global supply chains. Its role as a trans-Caspian logistics hub enhances both strategic and commercial influence. Uzbekistan, by contrast, is an emerging frontier market propelled by post-2017 reforms in currency liberalization, taxation, and state-enterprise restructuring. Rapid GDP growth and expanding private-sector activity mark its trajectory toward fiscal autonomy, though continued ODA inflows averaging around $1.1 billion to 1.3 billion annually, primarily from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and bilateral partners such as Japan, the United States, and the European Union, highlight its residual dependence on external concessional financing. To achieve genuine middle power status, Uzbekistan must roughly double its real economic output over the next decade, a scale of growth aligned with the shift...

Aviation

What’s Holding Back Kazakhstan’s Air Transport Market?

Kazakhstan’s aviation industry has posted steady growth in recent years. Over the past four years, passenger and cargo traffic have risen by more than 36% and 23% respectively, with an actively expanding route network. The state’s aviation development strategy prioritizes infrastructure upgrades, improved safety standards, and expanded international cooperation. Yet, despite these advances, several systemic barriers continue to prevent Kazakhstan from realizing its potential as a Central Asian aviation hub. These challenges were discussed at the New Silk Way International Transport and Logistics Business Forum and the annual TransLogistica Kazakhstan 2025 exhibition. Experts agree that Kazakhstan’s air transport market ranks among the fastest-growing globally, driven in part by geopolitical shifts that have boosted the volume of Chinese and European transit flights through its airspace. Industry Trends and Infrastructure Expansion A major airport modernization effort is underway, targeting key cities such as Astana, Almaty, Aktobe, Shymkent, and Karaganda. Renovations have already been completed in Aktau, Pavlodar, and Balkhash, while new terminals have opened in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent. New airports are under construction in Kenderli, Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and Arkalyk. Total investment in infrastructure has exceeded $2.9 billion. According to the Civil Aviation Committee, in 2025, Kazakh airlines transported a record 15 million passengers and 171,000 tons of cargo. Transit flights accounted for 414 million aircraft-kilometers. Deputy Chairman Sarsen Zharylgasov has stated that the country now operates 56 domestic routes, up 9% year-on-year, and maintains air links with 30 countries. International Routes and Regional Competition In 2025, 33 new international routes were launched, connecting Kazakhstan to cities including Budapest, Munich, Cairo, Shanghai, Phuket, and Delhi. Currently, 140 international routes operate under the Open Skies policy, which has applied to 15 airports since 2019. Looking ahead to 2026, new routes are planned to major global hubs, such as Singapore, Tokyo, Rome, Vienna, and New York. The long-anticipated direct U.S. flight hinges on a successful completion of the FAA's CAT-1 audit, following Kazakhstan’s passage of the preliminary technical assessment in August 2024. The 2022 air transport agreement between the U.S. and Kazakhstan remains a key step toward this goal. Air Astana plans to operate the route using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, though delivery has been delayed to Q2 2026 due to production backlogs. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is ramping up its own ambitions. During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s 2025 visit to the US, Tashkent signed a deal with Boeing for 22 Dreamliners. Analysts suggest this could intensify regional competition and enhance Uzbekistan’s appeal as a transit hub. Airport Bottlenecks and Tariff Issues Despite progress in large cities, many regional airports remain hampered by chronic underinvestment and outdated tariff policies. According to Zharylgasov, tariffs at several airports have not been updated in over two decades. “We are working to completely deregulate tariffs, but the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition does not yet support us,” he noted. Eliminating state control over airport tariffs could introduce market-based pricing, attract investors, and improve profitability, particularly for regional hubs. Digitalization Drives Efficiency Digital transformation is another key priority. Kazakhstan...

Middle Corridor

Multimodal Transport: What Makes Modern Logistics Flexible and Efficient?

Kazakhstan has set itself the task of developing the country's transport and transit potential. The national railway network operator, as well as the country’s main freight and passenger rail carrier, is now engaged in organizing multimodal transportation that combines rail, maritime, air, and road transport, along with providing logistics services at international cargo hubs. In August, it was announced that KTZ Express JSC, a subsidiary of KTZ JSC, had been established as Kazakhstan's first national air freight carrier, and that modern sea vessels were being built to develop the domestic fleet. We spoke with Damir Kozhakhmetov, CEO of JSC “KTZ Express,” about the prospects for developing aviation and maritime competencies within the framework of a multimodal operator. - Mr. Kozhakhmetov, could you tell us about your company’s plans for creating a national cargo airline under JSC “KTZ Express”? - First, I would note that establishing a national cargo airline means building a modern, competitive freight carrier. The project is coordinated by the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, while our company is designated as the lead implementer. This effort will allow Kazakhstan to strengthen its position as a key transit hub of Eurasia and deepen integration into global transport chains. In terms of goals, the priority is to ensure Kazakhstan has stable access to international markets. The new carrier will not only handle transit cargo but also open new opportunities for businesses, especially where delivery speed is critical. Aviation, in particular, offers capabilities that no other mode of transport can match. As you know, the global air cargo market is growing rapidly. On the one hand, this is driven by the expansion of e-commerce; on the other, by rising transit flows between China and Europe. Kazakhstan’s unique geographic location gives us an advantage, and our task is to turn that into concrete, competitive services. The process of building the airline is structured in stages, and we have already started practical implementation. Research results confirm strong potential on routes between China and Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and in transit shipments via Kazakhstan. These routes will form the backbone of a sustainable network and the company’s long-term growth, aligned with current market trends, competition, and projected demand. In parallel, we have begun organizational structuring, regulatory compliance, and the development of manuals and documentation required to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). These documents are essential for launching any airline, as they confirm that the carrier has the necessary structure, staff, aircraft, and procedures that meet aviation law and safety standards. To ensure the project is built on solid ground and delivers real impact, we are engaging international consultants and leading industry experts. At the first stage, we plan to launch regular flights and establish a reliable route network. Priority will, of course, be given to the China-Europe corridor, which is one of the fastest-growing segments with strong and stable demand. At the next stage, the fleet will expand, and operations will extend to Southeast Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. We...

Driverless Cargo

Kazakhstan and China Pilot Driverless Cargo Transport Project

Kazakhstan and China have launched a pioneering pilot project called “Smart Customs,” which will enable the use of driverless vehicles to transport cargo across their shared border. The program is currently being tested at the Bakhty (Kazakhstan) and Pokitu (China) border checkpoints. Its main goal is to streamline customs procedures using high-tech solutions, with autonomous trucks as the project’s central feature. These unmanned vehicles are designed to cross the border automatically, removing the need for human drivers. The initiative was formalized during a working meeting between Zhandos Duisembiev, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee, and Zhixianwei, Party Secretary of the Chinese city of Tacheng in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The two sides signed a cooperation agreement confirming their commitment to harmonize efforts, share expertise, and support digital innovation in logistics. The Smart Customs system incorporates several advanced technologies: A unified electronic declaration system recognized by both countries Fully digitized documentation and data processing Continuous, unmanned cargo movement across the border Automated navigation and operational control These innovations are expected to reduce border processing times, lower transportation costs, and improve operational transparency. The project also aims to support the development of logistics infrastructure along the border. Key objectives of the initiative include: Expanding annual cargo capacity to 10 million tons Establishing logistics hubs to relieve pressure on current infrastructure Creating employment opportunities and attracting investment Increasing exports of Kazakhstani agricultural products, including grain, oilseeds, meat, and processed goods According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Finance, the initiative is intended to strengthen the country’s position as a regional transit hub and to deepen trade relations with China. Kazakhstan has previously faced criticism over delays in customs inspections. A study by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in late 2024 found Kazakhstan had the slowest inspection times among Central Asian countries, averaging 2 hours and 26 minutes per cargo inspection. In comparison, Turkmenistan averaged 50 minutes, Uzbekistan 1 hour and 25 minutes, Kyrgyzstan 1 hour and 28 minutes, and Tajikistan 1 hour and 50 minutes. The rollout of Smart Customs is expected to significantly improve these statistics and help Kazakhstan match the efficiency of regional leaders in border processing. Autonomous cross-border freight transport has also been explored by Russia and China. Previous plans aimed to launch driverless cargo operations across the new Blagoveshchensk–Heihe Bridge, although that project has yet to materialize.

Transport cooperation

Kazakhstan, Hungary, and China Establish Cargo Terminal in Budapest

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ, Kazakhstan’s national railway company), L.A.C. Holding (Hungary), and Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd (China) have signed a memorandum to establish a joint inter-modal cargo terminal in Budapest. The document was signed on November 20 as part of the state visit of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Hungary. The planned terminal will leverage the strategic location of the Hungarian capital in the heart of Europe and its developed transport network for multimodal transportation across the continent. The terminal will have a capacity of 230,000 TEU annually and will increase the number of container trains between China and Europe, including transit along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). The new terminal is expected to reduce delivery times and transportation costs. KTZ continues to expand its terminal network along key transport corridors to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key transit hub in Eurasia. On November 12, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and China signed an agreement to establish an inter-modal cargo terminal in the Port of Alat in Baku, Azerbaijan. Commenting on the signed Memorandum at a press briefing in Budapest, Tokayev said this initiative will strengthen trade and transport ties between the participating countries. “New opportunities are opening up for the development of infrastructure, logistics, and international trade. Eighty-five percent of land transit shipments between Asia and Europe pass through Kazakhstan. In the near future, the volume of cargo transportation along this route will reach 10 million tons,” Tokayev said.