BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. Kazakhstan plans
to increase its seaport capacity fourfold, expand its fleet
capacity fivefold, and raise annual transit cargo volumes to 100
million tons by 2035, the Kazakh government reported.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced the plans at the
eighth New Silk Way Business Forum, held in Astana on October 15-16
as part of Kazakhstan Transport Week 2026.
"President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified
the development of the country's transport and logistics potential
as one of its strategic priorities. Modern transport infrastructure
helps expand international trade, attract investment, establish new
production facilities, and strengthen economic ties between
countries," Bektenov said.
He noted that Kazakhstan is implementing a large-scale program
to develop its transport infrastructure.
Over the past seven years, Kazakhstan has built and repaired
36,300 kilometers of roads. Over the past five years, it has also
built and modernized 5,000 kilometers of railways.
The country is also developing its border, maritime, and airport
infrastructure. Its aviation safety level has reached 95.7%,
according to the government.
In 2025, transit cargo volumes through Kazakhstan increased by
18% year-on-year to 39.1 million tons.
Bektenov also highlighted opportunities to improve international
logistics and strengthen connectivity along the East-West and
North-South transport corridors, the Trans-Caspian International
Transport Route, and the prospective Trans-Afghan corridor.
He identified infrastructure development, logistics
digitalization, and seamless transit as key areas for international
cooperation.
Priorities include removing infrastructure bottlenecks and
administrative barriers, as well as introducing "green corridors"
and a "single window" principle to facilitate cross-border
transportation and reduce cargo delivery times and costs.
Bektenov also emphasized the importance of joint investment and
infrastructure projects.
