Kazakhstan’s ‘New Silk Way’

Global marine terminal operator DP World and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan’s national railway company, have signed an agreement that will see DP World provide management advisory services for the development of the Khorgos Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Inland Container Depot (ICD).

DP World will also provide similar services under a separate contract at the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea.

The signing was held in Astana on the sidelines of the second international transport and logistics business forum “Kazakhstan - New Silk Way”, with HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, and Askar Mamin, President, KTZ officiating.

The two agreements support Kazakhstan’s plans to transform and modernise its transport and logistics infrastructure to develop its strategic position as part of a New Silk Way rail-land bridge between the manufacturing hubs of China, and consumer markets in Central Asia and Europe.

Strategically located on the border with China, the Khorgos SEZ aims to become Kazakhstan’s leading manufacturing and logistics hub, providing tangible benefits to companies operating within the zone, as well as serving east and west-bound cargo.

At the Port of Aktau, DP World will provide similar services including advice on transforming the port into the leading gateway destination for cargo on the Caspian Sea.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “Khorgos is a major emerging land-based trade hub between Europe and Asia and we are delighted to support Kazakhstan’s vision of establishing a transportation and logistics bridge, working with KTZ as they develop Khorgos and Aktau. We can add real value to the projects with our international experience and expertise in managing both inland container depots and container terminals, ensuring outstanding customer service as demanded in today’s global markets.”

Askar Mamin, President, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, said: “The success of the New Silk Route is tied to the growth of KTZ and the need to build strong customer relations and collaboration. DP World is an excellent choice to help us realise these goals and the management advisory agreements we have with them demonstrate our commitment to making the New Silk Way a competitive transportation route providing reliable and safe delivery of goods. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with DP World.”

Aktau and Khorgos, located on the western and eastern frontiers of Kazakhstan respectively, strategically underpin the country’s economic plans.