In a world where supply chains are being redrawn almost in real time, geography is regaining strategic value. For decades, Kazakhstan was described as landlocked. Today, it is increasingly viewed as land-linked, serving as a pivotal connector between Europe and Asia at the heart of Eurasia.This transformation is the result of long-term investment in transport infrastructure, digital logistics, and cross-border industrial cooperation, with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, better known as the Middle Corridor, at its core.
From Transit to Connectivity
Kazakhstan has built one of the most extensive transport networks in the region. The country now operates five international railway corridors and eight road corridors that link China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2024, transit freight volumes reached 34.6 million tonnes, up 7.1% year-on-year. The government’s ambitions are clear: transit volumes are expected to rise to 67 million tonnes by 2029 and reach 100 million tonnes by 2035.
The Middle Corridor has become a central pillar of this strategy. Running from China through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, Georgia and onward to Europe, it offers a viable alternative to traditional routes. In 2024, cargo volumes along the Trans-Caspian route reached 4.5 million tonnes, reflecting growing interest from shippers seeking diversification and resilience.
It is important to note that transport and logistics have already emerged as one of Kazakhstan’s most dynamic economic sectors. Over the first ten months of the year, the volume of transport services grew by 20.7%, while investment in fixed assets increased by 18.4%. Transit freight reached 29.4 million tonnes, up 5% compared to the same period last year.
Rail freight continues to grow steadily. Over ten months, rail cargo volumes reached 380.3 million tonnes, an increase of 7.9% year-on-year. Air transport is also expanding: 13.1 million passengers were carried during the same period, up 6.5%. All airports and airlines in Kazakhstan now use the e-Freight system, fully aligned with IATA standards, enabling paperless cargo processing.
Road infrastructure has also seen particularly intensive development. Construction and repair works now cover around 13,000 kilometres of roads annually, with 93% of national highways meeting regulatory technical standards. Border infrastructure is also being modernised: 37 border crossing points are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
Where Logistics Meets Industry
Kazakhstan’s logistics strategy goes beyond moving goods faster. At its core is the development of cross-border hubs that combine transport, warehousing, and industrial production.Today, this ecosystem is anchored by four special economic zones, including Khorgos-Eastern Gate, the International Centre for Boundary Cooperation Khorgos, Aktau Seaport, and TURAN. These are situated alongside two major industrial zones.
The Khorgos node on the border with China plays a pivotal role on the eastern flank. The territory of the Khorgos–Eastern Gate SEZ has been expanded by 840 hectares to accommodate large-scale projects, including the SkyHansa cargo airport. At the ICBC Khorgos, modernisation is underway, with plans to expand the area, open an additional border crossing point, and move to 24/7 operations. Gasification has been completed, and the list of priority activities has been updated to attract higher value-added projects.
On the western side, the Aktau Seaport SEZ is strengthening Kazakhstan’s Caspian gateway. Its operating term has been extended until 2053, and new sites in Aktau and Zhanaozen are being added for processing industries, airports, and marine terminals. A further expansion of 382 hectares is planned, with participation from Ersai Caspian Contractor, to support marine infrastructure development.
Southern and northern borders are also seeing rapid progress. On the frontier with Uzbekistan, the TURAN SEZ is hosting new production and warehouse facilities, while preparations are underway to ensure symmetrical conditions with Kyrgyzstan through the Alatau industrial zone. Along the Russian border, the Eurasia industrial zone already covers 281 hectares and is attracting manufacturing projects.
Infrastructure Ready for Scale
All cross-border hubs are supported by dedicated transport infrastructure. One of the most significant projects is the Darbaza–Maktaaral railway line, scheduled for completion in 2026, which will connect southern regions to the national rail network with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per year.
Rail modernisation is ongoing in the east as well. The Altynkol – Zhetygen section is being upgraded to increase capacity to 25 million tonnes, with full completion expected in 2026. Road access to border checkpoints such as Nur Zholy, Atameken and Karasu is being repaired or rebuilt, while new bridges and bypasses are planned to eliminate bottlenecks.
At the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan is investing heavily in port infrastructure. In Aktau, the first phase of a container hub developed jointly with China’s Lianyungang has been completed, with total capacity expected to reach up to 200,000 TEU per year. Dredging works and berth modernisation are also underway. In Kuryk, construction of the Sarzha multifunctional terminal is progressing, and Kazakhstan plans to acquire two container vessels from Azerbaijan by 2027 to increase Caspian shipping capacity. Together, these projects will raise the throughput of Aktau and Kuryk ports to 30 million tonnes per year.
A Strategic Vision Taking Shape
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, has set a clear objective: to position Kazakhstan as the main transport hub of Central Asia. In an increasingly competitive environment for transit routes and investment, the country is accelerating the development of land infrastructure, industrial cooperation, and trade networks.
The emphasis is on logistics and transshipment, and on real production, job creation, and value-added exports as well. Predictability, speed, and low administrative barriers are central to the investor proposition. Regular dialogue with investors, operators, and manufacturers is becoming standard practice, ensuring that projects are built on mutually beneficial terms.
As global trade adapts to new realities, Kazakhstan’s Middle Corridor strategy offers a compelling case study. By combining hard infrastructure with digital solutions and industrial ecosystems, the country is transforming its geography into a competitive advantage and positioning itself as a true bridge between Europe and Asia.
