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Kazakhstan and China Digitalize Customs Procedures on Middle Corridor

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan's national railway company, has announced the digitalization of customs declaration procedures for transit cargo along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, at the border between Kazakhstan and China. In collaboration with Global DTC, KTZ Express - a subsidiary of KTZ - has launched the Tez Customs digital platform. This system transitions customs operations to a paperless format, reducing processing time to just 30 minutes after a train's arrival at the border station. The platform enables preliminary preparation of documents, automatic registration, and issuance of transit declarations. These capabilities optimize logistics processes, enhance transparency at all stages of customs clearance, and significantly reduce the time required for customs operations. Since May 2024, Tez Customs has fully automated customs clearance processes for transit cargo along the China–Central Asia route via Kazakhstan, specifically along the Altynkol-Saryagash section. In October 2024, its scope was expanded to include cargo transported along the Middle Corridor. To date, Tez Customs has processed over 54,000 transit declarations on the China to Central Asia route and more than 5,000 declarations on the TITR. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route serves as a critical link between China and Europe, passing through Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. More than 80% of all land cargo transported from China to Europe travels through Kazakhstan, according to Kazakh statistics. During the first nine months of 2024, the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor increased by 23% compared to the entirety of the previous year, reaching 3.4 million tons. Projections suggest that by 2030, this figure will rise to 10 million tons annually. The digitalization of customs procedures via Tez Customs represents a significant advancement in the efficiency and transparency of transit operations on the TITR. This innovation reinforces Kazakhstan’s position as a vital transit hub for trade between China, Central Asia, and Europe, while also supporting the continued growth of cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor.

TITR Transport China Economic Growth Infrastructure Development International transport railroads Multimodal Transport Corrdior

China to Transport Lithium-Ion Batteries Along TITR via Kazakhstan

This month marks a significant milestone in Kazakhstan-China transport cooperation with the test shipment of lithium-ion batteries from China via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This major trade corridor links China to Europe through Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. The decision was announced following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev and China’s Transport Minister Liu Wei in Beijing on December 5. Strengthening TITR Cooperation The two ministers agreed on initiatives to further develop the TITR, including the creation of a permanent working group to facilitate the seamless flow of goods. They also highlighted advancements in the digitization of transport operations. Truckers can now receive permit forms within an hour through a newly implemented digital platform, streamlining international road transportation. The TITR is seeing rapidly growing freight traffic. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, road freight volumes with China have more than doubled annually. Before 2023, Kazakh truckers made approximately 50,000 trips per year. In 2024, this figure is projected to reach 230,000 trips. Expanding Multimodal Transport The meeting also explored the potential for developing cargo transportation via transboundary rivers between the two nations. Both ministers noted a surge in rail and road freight volumes, as well as transit transportation through the Middle Corridor (another name for the TITR). From January to October 2024, rail freight between Kazakhstan and China increased by 13%, reaching 26.6 million tons. Road freight volumes soared by 60% in the third quarter alone, amounting to 1.9 million tons. Meanwhile, cargo transportation from China to Europe via the TITR has experienced explosive growth. In 2024, the volume surpassed 27,000 twenty-foot containers, a 25-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Digitization European Union Customs Digitalization International transport borders

EU-Funded Electronic Queue Management System Aims to End Border Delays in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s State Customs Service has launched a pilot Electronic Queue Management System (eQMS) at the Kyzyl-Kiya road border crossing with Uzbekistan. The system is designed to simplify and expedite border-crossing procedures for truck drivers. Using the eQMS website, drivers can reserve time slots and access a designated waiting zone at their scheduled time, according to the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic. European Union Support Funded by the European Union, the eQMS is part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader effort to enhance economic and regional trade integration. The initiative is implemented with technical support from the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency, under the Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor project. Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “The European Union is proud to support Kyrgyzstan's efforts to modernize its border management through the eQMS pilot initiative. Improving soft connectivity and facilitation of trade and border procedures is a crucial step in advancing the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and supporting the internationalization of Central Asian businesses, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development and stronger regional integration,” said Josefson. Advancing Border Efficiency Almaz Saliev, deputy chairman of the State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the transformational nature of the project: “This system is not only an operational improvement but also a commitment to a modern, user-centered approach to border management.” The new system addresses longstanding issues faced by Kyrgyz exporters and freight forwarders, particularly delays at border crossings. While the pilot project focuses on the Uzbekistan border, border delays have also been a recurring problem for Kyrgyz trucks crossing into Kazakhstan. These delays have disrupted goods transit to Russia and other destinations, prompting periodic complaints from Kyrgyzstan about excessive queues. The eQMS pilot project marks a significant step toward more efficient, transparent, and reliable border management, paving the way for smoother trade flows and stronger regional connectivity.

Russia Transport Transport and Logistics International transport International Relations multimodal transport corridor railroads

Kazakhstan and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on North-South Transport Corridor

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, and Russian Railways have signed a landmark agreement aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure at nine border stations, increasing capacity, and developing a unified digital system for transportation and cross-border operations. The agreement was signed on November 27 during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Kazakhstan. Enhancing Key Trade Corridors This cooperation seeks to boost the efficiency of trans-Eurasian transport corridors, with a particular focus on increasing cargo volumes along the East-West and North-South routes. The North-South corridor, connecting Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran, has an annual capacity of 10 million tons of cargo. So far, 1.8 million tons have been transported along this route in 2024, and plans are underway to double its capacity to 20 million tons annually. On November 26, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, emphasized the strategic importance of the North-South corridor. In July, Kazakhstan agreed on a roadmap with Iran, Turkmenistan, and Russia for the synchronized development of this corridor. To attract cargo flow, Kazakhstan has introduced special transit tariff discounts of 50%. New Agreements and Digital Connectivity During Putin’s visit, another significant agreement was signed between KTZ, Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. (China), and JSC Slavtrans-Service (Russia). The deal focuses on constructing the CRK Terminal, a transport and logistics hub at the Selyatino railway station in the Moscow region. Additionally, the three parties agreed to jointly use the Unified Digital Platform along the Xi'an (China) - Dostyk/Altynkol (Kazakhstan) - Selyatino (Russia) route. The CRK Terminal and Digital Platform are expected to enhance cargo transportation efficiency and e-commerce between China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Boosting Regional Logistics Kazakhstan Temir Zholy also signed a memorandum with the Russian transport and logistics group FinInvest LLC to construct a multimodal transport and logistics center in Astana. This center aims to increase the transit of Russian goods through Kazakhstan, further solidifying the country’s position as a regional logistics hub.

Legislation GDP State Budget International transport Railways Infrastructure Development

Uzbekistan Targets $200 Billion GDP by 2030 with Transport Reforms

On November 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined transformative plans for Uzbekistan’s state-owned railway and aviation sectors, setting an ambitious goal to increase the country’s GDP to $200 billion by 2030. Significant changes are already being implemented to enhance efficiency and convenience. In the railway sector, six independent enterprises have been created under “Uzbekistan Railways.” The company added 1,200 new freight cars, halving domestic freight transportation times. The digitalization of operations has streamlined processes, cutting the ordering stage for freight cars from seven days to three and reducing processing time from 72 hours to just 12 hours. Around Tashkent, train traffic has increased by 30%, and for the first time, the previously unprofitable enterprise posted a profit of 30 billion UZS ($2.3 million) this year. In the aviation sector, Uzbekistan Airways has seen flights increase by 25%, with domestic flights surging 2.5 times. The airline now holds a 20% share of international transport in Central Asia, and annual passenger traffic is projected to exceed 6 million. “Uzbekistan Airports” has also expanded services for planes, cargo, and passengers. Greater private sector involvement in airport management has yielded notable results, with 44 airlines currently operating in Uzbekistan. Cargo transportation through airports is expected to grow by 22% this year. “The economy and trade relations in our country are developing year after year. The population’s income and the tourism potential of the regions are also increasing. By 2030, we have set a goal to increase the volume of our gross domestic product to $200 billion. Therefore, we should pay special attention to the transport arteries,” Mirziyoyev said. To support these developments, a new version of the Law “On Railway Transport” has been signed, replacing the 25-year-old legislation. The updated law aims to attract private companies and investments to further develop infrastructure and accelerate industry growth.

China Afghanistan Transport and Logistics Economic Cooperation International transport Multimodal Transport Corrdior

Train Link Connects China and Afghanistan via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

The first freight train from China arrived at Afghanistan’s Hairatan dry port on November 23, following a route through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to a report by Afghan TOLOnews. Hairatan, a border town in northern Afghanistan, lies a short distance from the Uzbek city of Termez and serves as a critical transit hub between the two nations. Speaking at a ceremony marking the train’s arrival, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi noted that the freight journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan took 20 days. Azizi also announced plans to use the rail link to transport Afghan goods to China. Beijing has been working to increase its economic footprint in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, focusing on the nation’s rich mineral reserves and infrastructure projects to boost bilateral trade. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, too, are eager to enhance their trade relations with Afghanistan and participate in the country’s railway infrastructure development. In October, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan signed a roadmap to boost bilateral trade to $3 billion and to include Kazakhstan in the construction of two major railway lines in Afghanistan: Turgundi – Herat – Kandahar - Spin Boldak and Mazar-i-Sharif - Harlachi. This milestone train link highlights a growing regional commitment to economic connectivity and trade expansion.