The new railway line, which connected China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran, was presented in the Chinese city of Yiwu. It is expected that the transport corridor will greatly enhance trade between the two countries. The main advantage of the new branch is the speed of delivery of goods. A freight train will pass the distance of 10 thousand kilometers in two weeks. Opportunities of fast trade have aroused great interest among entrepreneurs.
Xai zhang SHIEN, DEPUTY HEAD, GANSU LOGISTICS COMPANY:
Previously, the transport of goods from China was mainly carried out by sea and by air. One route was very long, the other expensive. And now there is a great alternative. Rail transportation reduces both time and costs. Goods from China through Kazakhstan come to Europe in only 15 days. We appreciate the transit potential of Kazakhstan.
Kanat ALPYSBAYEV, VICE PRESIDENT, KAZAKHSTAN TEMIR ZHOLY:
This is one of the large industrial centers, cities of China, which is aimed at export-oriented production of the country. Today we met with a number of logistics companies, as well as with the chiefs of the city mayor’s office to establish a direct mutually beneficial relationship. We discussed a number of issues related to the provision of logistics transportation of Chinese goods through Kazakhstan in the direction of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and Europe. By 2020, up to 700 thousand containers will be annually transported through this route. According to experts, Kazakhstan will be able to increase trade turnover by 8 times. The special economic zone Khorgos-Eastern Gate will also contribute to this goal. Its construction is scheduled to be completed this year.
