Kazakhstan is moving forward with ambitious plans to establish five cross-border trade hubs, aiming to transform the country into a critical global transport and logistics center. The development of these hubs was thoroughly reviewed and discussed at a significant government meeting held on December 10, 2024. The proposed hubs are strategically positioned, with the Khorgos Hub near the border with China, the Caspian Hub part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Eurasia Center at the border with Russia, the “Central Asia” International Center at the border with Uzbekistan, and the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex located at the border with Kyrgyzstan.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed that these new trade hubs will offer remarkable advantages for Kazakhstan. They are expected to streamline various aspects of trade and industrial production, significantly enhance tax revenues, and generate numerous job opportunities. By establishing these hubs, Kazakhstan aims to create a unified trade and transport space with its major trade partners, ultimately strengthening trade and strategic relationships with neighboring countries. The project specifically plans to take advantage of major transport corridors, including East-West, North-South, and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, to facilitate smoother access to crucial markets in China, the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus, and Europe.
Kazakhstan’s initiative to develop these logistical hubs at strategic border points reflects a long-term vision to extend its global trade footprint, boost national connectivity, and drive economic growth through heightened trade efficiency and fortified international relations. By enhancing infrastructure at key junctures, the country seeks to position itself as a vital link in the global supply chain, improving trade routes and fostering a more interconnected global market. This ambitious project not only aims to elevate Kazakhstan’s profile on the world stage but also to open up new avenues for regional collaboration and economic prosperity for its partners.
