Logistics and transport - first things to be developed for trade cooperation between China and Kazakhstan - Vice Mayor of Xi'an Han Sung

Recall that Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at Nazarbayev University during his official visit to Kazakhstan in September 2013, proposed to create a new model of cooperation. The economic belt of the Silk Road is planned to strengthen economic ties, and expand potential development of the Eurasian countries. - Mr. Han Sung, you have just returned from Kazakhstan. What are your impressions? - Yes, I have been to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Although I made short visits to the cities of Almaty, Astana and Bishkek, I have got a lot of impressions. First of all I liked the climate. China has become a country suffering air pollution problems. I was glad to see the blue sky and white clouds. But this is certainly not the main impression. I arrived in Kazakhstan with the trade and economic delegation. We had round tables with business people - our partners. We met with the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as trade and economic associations. We realized that the concept of building the economic zone of the Silk Road was the great idea. On the other hand, we felt responsible for the execution of the mission of Xi'an as the starting point of the Silk Road. New "Silk Road" - project to create a corridor for the direct supply of goods from East to West. - Did you feel the support of Kazakhstani business community? - I met with representatives of local businesses community and our talks showed the prospects of trade and economic cooperation. The two sides have expressed a strong desire to collaborate. I found out that some people know nothing about Xi'an. And I am eager to present the city and the economic situation. Therefore, I invited your business to visit Xi'an. - During the trip, you had a meeting with the president of "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" National Company JSC Askar Mamin and agreed to launch new freight trains from China to Kazakhstan. - That was my second meeting with Mr. Mamin. The conversation was about the freight train "Chang'an". I am convinced that Mr. Mamin attached great importance to cooperation with the city of Xi'an. We signed a supplementary agreement to launch new freight trains from Xi'an to Kazakhstan. These trains will run twice a month beginning from May. The document also secured the intention of the parties to attract new flows rough China to provide feedback load of container trains, as well as to set up joint projects to increase flows via Xi'an Kazakhstan in Central Asia.

Logistics and transport are the first things needed to be developed in the framework of cooperation between Chinese and Kazakh companies. We plan to jointly set up a warehouse in the International port area of Xi'an. - What measures are being taken by the government to create Xi'an economic platform of the new Silk Road? - As you know, the concept was put forward by President Xi Jinping and President Nursultan Nazarbayev. There were identified five specific areas including strengthening the enabling policies and conditions, availability of roads, trade relations, and currency flow. Logistics is one of the main priorities, thus, we are working in this direction. Xi'an International port area should become the largest continental transit port in the economic zone of the Great Silk Road. Here are established three platforms including Xian comprehensive duty-free zone, container rail terminal, and Xi'an transport center. At present we are preparing for the international exhibition EXPO Silk Road, which will be held May 23-26 in Xi'an. The event has invited delegations from many countries of Central Asia. Chang'an freight train plays a very important role in trade relations. It runs through 9 stations in Central Asia. We intend to move it forward to Europe. The final point is planned to be the Netherlands. - What Kazakhstani goods are demanded in Xi'an? - Energy resources, oil, gas, and ore. The list of the required goods also includes agricultural products, in particular, wheat and cotton. - Are you going to import meat products from Kazakhstan? - Yes, we are. We would like to buy beef and horsemeat. Moreover, we will buy honey. These products will be in demand in China. - In 2013, the trade volume between Xi'an and Kazakhstan amounted to USD 23 million. How do you think, will this figure increase? - No doubt. Silk Road economic zone provides great opportunities for both states. Kazakhstan and the city of Xi'an have geographical advantage. The Ministry of Economy and Budget Planning of Kazakhstan performed a strategic plan of the future of Kazakhstan. The document showed transport, and logistic path. When I saw the plan I thought about the Xi'an International port area. It was a great concept. - Thank you for the interview. I wish you success. xxx "Kazinform" International Information Agency thanks "Wenhuibao" edition for the organization of the tour and the Government of Shaanxi Province - for the assistance.