Kazakhstan launches a new transport corridor between China and Europe
Kazakhstan Is Building a New Logistics Hub for Eurasia
Kazakhstan has launched one of the largest infrastructure projects in recent years, a development expected to reshape freight transportation between China, Central Asia, and Europe. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the start of construction of the strategically important Beineu–Saksaulsk Highway, which will become a key component of a new international transport corridor and further strengthen Kazakhstan's position as one of Eurasia's leading logistics hubs.
New Corridor to Connect China with the Caspian Sea Ports
The centerpiece of the project is the 559-kilometer Beineu–Saksaulsk Highway. Once completed, it will provide a direct road connection between China's border crossings and Kazakhstan's Ports of Aktau and Kuryk on the Caspian Sea.
According to the President, the new highway will:
- shorten the China–Europe transport route by nearly 1,000 kilometers;- reduce delivery times by approximately three days;
- significantly increase the capacity of Kazakhstan's western international transport corridor.
Due to its strategic importance, the President proposed naming the new route the Aral–Caspian Highway, highlighting its significance not only for Kazakhstan but also for the entire Eurasian logistics network.
Major Upgrade of Kazakhstan's Transport Network
Alongside the new highway, Kazakhstan will also modernize three strategic road projects scheduled for completion by 2029:
- Aktobe – Kyzylorda- Karaganda – Zhezkazgan
- Astana – Yrgyz
- Zhanaozen – Turkmenistan Border
Together, these projects will create a modern east-west transport network that complements existing international corridors and improves freight connectivity across the country.
Kazakhstan Continues Investing in Logistics Infrastructure
Transport and logistics have become one of the country's top economic priorities.
According to President Tokayev:
- road freight transportation has doubled over the past five years;- the industry's annual revenue has reached KZT 1.5 trillion.
Today, Kazakhstan is crossed by eight international transport corridors, with approximately 35,000 freight truckspassing through the country every day. As trade between China and Europe continues to expand and the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) gains strategic importance, the new highway is expected to further enhance Kazakhstan's competitiveness in global logistics.
More Than 10,000 New Jobs
The construction will be carried out primarily by Kazakhstani companies.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs.
Once completed, the new transport corridor is projected to:
- increase freight volumes by 2.5 times;- raise annual cargo throughput to 13.2 million tonnes;
- improve the efficiency of road freight transportation between China, Central Asia, the Caspian region, and Europe.
What Does This Mean for International Businesses?
For logistics providers, freight forwarders, and international trade companies, the new corridor will offer several key advantages:
- shorter international transit times;- lower transportation costs thanks to a reduced travel distance;
- greater reliability of freight routes through Kazakhstan;
- enhanced strategic importance of the Ports of Aktau and Kuryk;
- expanded opportunities for multimodal transport along the China – Caspian Sea – Caucasus – Europe route.
The project forms part of Kazakhstan's long-term strategy to become one of Eurasia's leading logistics hubs while supporting the development of alternative trade routes between Asia and Europe.