From 2027, Kazakhstan plans to change its approach to organising rail freight transport. Under the new concept of industry development, private logistics operators will be allowed to enter the market.

What will change?

Today, all railway freight transport in Kazakhstan is carried out by the national operator JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. However, a gradual liberalisation of the industry is planned in the coming years. It is expected that the admission of private companies will create a competitive environment, which in turn will improve the quality of service, route efficiency and flexibility of logistics solutions.

Why is this important for Belarus?

Kazakhstan plays a key role in international logistics, especially for Belarus. The eastern branch of the North-South transport corridor, which is actively used for transit to China, Iran and other Asian countries, passes through its territory.

More than half of the cargo traffic between China and Belarus by rail and road infrastructure passes through Kazakhstan. This makes the country a crucial link in the international logistics chain and a promising destination for export- and transit-oriented companies.

What does this mean for the logistics business?

The opening of Kazakhstan's market for private operators opens up new opportunities for international logistics companies, including Belarusian ones. This means potential access to routes, formation of their own tariffs, higher efficiency in decision-making and the ability to offer customers even more favourable and faster logistics solutions.