BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. A transport and
logistics center of Kusto Logistics has been launched in the Ili
district of Kazakhstan's Almaty region, the press service of the
Akimat (local administration) of Almaty region announced.


The facility will provide cargo reception, storage, handling and
transportation services. A modern multimodal complex has been built
on an area of more than 26.5 hectares, incorporating railway
infrastructure, a container terminal, two warehouses, loading and
unloading areas, road logistics facilities and a control
center.


The center has an annual handling capacity of up to 100,000
containers. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs.
Investments in the project amounted to 28.1 billion tenge (about
$60.6 million).


Speaking at the opening ceremony, Akim (Governor) of Almaty
region Marat Sultangaziyev said the logistics center would
contribute to employment, the development of small and medium-sized
businesses, the expansion of the tax base and economic growth in
the region.


"The advantageous geographical location of the Ili district, its
proximity to transport corridors and developed engineering
infrastructure create favorable conditions for investors. The
Akimat of Almaty region will continue its work in this direction.
Every project implemented is a contribution to the region's
socio-economic development, improving the well-being of the
population and strengthening our country's competitiveness,"
Sultangaziyev said.


According to Kusto Group co-founder and shareholder Kanat
Kopbayev, around 80% of containerized cargo in Kazakhstan passes
through the Almaty transport hub, with a significant share coming
from the country's northern regions.







He noted that the new terminal would become an important
logistics link connecting northern and southern Kazakhstan. Through
Almaty region, import and export cargo will be distributed to other
regions of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.


A 45-ton-capacity crane has been installed at the logistics
center, capable of handling up to 25 containers per hour. The
complex has a monthly cargo handling capacity of more than 111,000
tons.


Construction of a grain terminal is currently underway at the
site. Once completed, the facility will be able to store up to
14,000 tons of agricultural products.


The project is being constructed under an EPC (engineering,
procurement and construction) contract by Coteccons KZ.