Kazakhstan, EU expand partnership on Middle Corridor development

Key speeches were delivered by representatives of Kazakhstan President’s Executive Office, Government of Kazakhstan, the European Parliament, top officials of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, leading logistics corporations of the EU, such as DHL Global Forwarding, Alstom, DB Cargo, HHLA International, RHENUS, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Ahlers Logistics and A.P. Moller-Maersk.

The conference was held as part of the official visit of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Belgium at the invitation of the President of European Council.

This platform serves as a practical continuation of the strategic dialogue at the highest level.

Recall that the Head of State will hold talks with the President of the European Council, António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever.

Discussions focused on strategic issues of developing the Middle Corridor, including increasing TITR’s capacity, modernizing railway, port, and terminal infrastructure, digitalization of logistics processes, and building sustainable supply chains across Eurasia.

Special attention was given to the integration of the Middle Corridor with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and expanding transport and digital connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

The high status of the delegates and alignment with Tokayev’s visit agenda highlight growing interest from European institutions, international financial organizations, and businesses in developing the Middle Corridor, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit and logistics hub between Eurasia and the EU.

In an interview with Qazinform, Deputy Head of the Kazakh President’s Executive Office Assel Zhanassova said that the event provided an opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues related to the Middle Corridor.

“A very important event was held today. And these are not just words - certain documents were signed. We sealed agreements on infrastructure projects implemented jointly with major investment banks. The Middle Corridor is vital for Kazakhstan. As the Head of State always emphasizes, we must be a transit country, a major logistics hub. The fact that world-renowned companies are entering Kazakhstan’s market and working here is a huge achievement. We have big plans for the next three years, and the number of such companies will only grow. In other words, we believe Kazakhstan will secure its place on the maps of great states and global companies,” Zhanassova said.

The event brought together more than 100 participants from Kazakhstan and EU countries, including senior officials of Kazakhstan President’s Executive Office and the Government, leadership of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, international financial institutions (EBRD, EIB), major transport and logistics companies, cargo owners, and sectoral associations.