The Kazakh government plans to continue developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and shorten the transit time of goods through the territory to five days, QazMonitor reports.
During the meeting chaired by PM Alikhan Smailov, it was noted that the delivery time of cargo from China to the Black Sea ports via TITR has already decreased from 38-53 days to 19-23 days. By the end of this year, it is expected to be cut down to 14-18 days.
The participants also discussed measures for further modernization of the country's railway infrastructure, renewal of the rolling stock fleet, expansion of the merchant fleet, and capacities of the Aktau and Kuryk Caspian ports.
A part of the plan is to create a container terminal hub in Aktau, renew port cargo handling equipment, rebuild oil berths, as well as build a new berth in the port of Kuryk and launch multi-purpose and grain terminals.
The state authorities also seek to expand the Caspian fleet by ten oil barges, eight ferries, six tankers, and one container carrier by 2030.
In addition, the meeting reviewed the preparation for an agreement between Kazakhstan and China on the route's development, which would simplify customs procedures and approve guaranteed traffic volumes along its path.