East Kazakhstan region may become Great Altai's key logistics hub — governor

The governor of the East Kazakhstan region shared a broad vision for the region's development as a key hub for international cooperation, tourism, industry, and logistics in the Great Altai.

In his speech, Nurymbet Saktaganov noted that Altai is becoming a land of new opportunities, where unique natural and cultural heritage combine with large-scale investment projects, infrastructure development, and strengthening international partnerships.

"Today, Altai is becoming not only a territory of good neighborliness but also a vital platform for developing international cooperation, win-win partnerships, and advancing joint initiatives," Saktaganov said.

The governor paid special attention to the region's transport and logistics potential. According to him, the East Kazakhstan region aims to become a key transport hub between China, Russia, and Mongolia.

In recent years, several major infrastructure projects have been launched in the region. In 2024, as instructed by the Kazakh President, the largest bridge in the country and Central Asia was built across the Bukhtarma Reservoir. Over three years, around 1,500 km of roads have been repaired and reconstructed. In addition, new airports are under construction in the Katon-Karagay and Zaisan districts.

Thanks to transport infrastructure development, the time for cargo transit through the region has already been reduced by nearly a full day. Reconstruction continues at the Maykapchagay border crossing on the Kazakhstan-China border. Modernization of the Uba border post on the Russian border is planned, and repairs to the bridge over the Uba River in the Shemonaikha district are underway.

The governor also identified the expansion of international air connectivity as an important development area.

"We hope for support in opening a direct flight route Oskemen — Urumqi — Oskemen. This project will help expand business cooperation, tourism exchanges, and create new opportunities for developing bilateral ties," the governor said.

The central initiative of his address was a proposal to create a new international tourism corridor, Kanas — Markakol. Nurymbet Saktaganov expressed hope for Chinese support in opening a new tourist crossing near Lake Markakol. According to him, the project will connect the unique natural areas of both countries and create a new hub for international ecotourism.

Chinese tourists would be able to visit the Markakol and Katon-Karagay districts, experiencing Kazakhstan's nature and culture, while Kazakh travelers would gain access to tourist sites around Lake Kanas. Moreover, the new route would become part of a promising tourism ring connecting regions of Kazakhstan, China, Russia, and Mongolia.

According to the governor, the East Kazakhstan region is ready to receive up to one million tourists annually. Ridder and the Bukhtarma Reservoir coast offer significant tourism potential, alongside Markakol and Katon-Karagay.

As Qazinform News Agency reported earlier, Kazakhstan’s Uralsk and China’s Jinzhou established sister-city relations.