“The competitiveness of transport routes no longer depends solely on infrastructure. Data, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important,” he said.

The next stage of cooperation should focus on developing an intelligent transport corridor that integrates modern logistics routes with artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, and intelligent freight management systems.

Today, the joint transport and logistics network connects the Port of Lianyungang, Khorgos Gateway, the Xi’an Terminal, the Aktau Hub, and the ZHETYSU Logistics Complex in Almaty. In 2027, the network will be expanded with the addition of a dry port in Chengdu, further strengthening the route from China’s Pacific coast through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea to Europe.

The development of the transport corridor is being supported by large-scale infrastructure projects. The construction of the Bakhty–Ayagoz railway line will establish the third rail border crossing between Kazakhstan and China, with an annual capacity of up to 25 million tonnes.

“Together, we will strengthen the Middle Corridor as one of the key transport routes of the 21st century,” Nurlan Zhakupov said.

Samruk-Kazyna serves as Co-Chair of the Kazakhstan–China Business Council, with China’s CITIC Group serving as the Chinese Co-Chair. Following the Council’s two most recent meetings, more than 110 commercial agreements worth approximately USD 20 billion have been signed across the energy, transport, digitalisation, and industrial sectors.