Kazakhstan, EU mull development of Trans-Caspian Corridor

Kazakhstan and the European Union intend to deepen cooperation in the transport sector and continue negotiations to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor – ed.), Report informs.

This issue was discussed on May 22, 2026, in Astana during a bilateral meeting between Zhanibek Taizhanov, Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, and Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of the Sustainable Transport and Urban Development Unit of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the European Commission.

"During the talks, the parties discussed the current status and key achievements of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Positive growth trends in transit traffic, a significant reduction in cargo delivery times, and plans to further increase container traffic volumes were noted," reads the statement.

Particular attention was paid to the development of port infrastructure in the Caspian region. The Kazakh side reported on the progress of the reconstruction of berths at the Aktau seaport, implemented with financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the EU, as well as the construction of new vessels and the development of ferry service on the Caspian Sea.

"As part of the discussion of cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan in the transport sector, the parties reviewed the progress of key railway projects aimed at increasing corridor capacity and improving regional connectivity," the statement reads.

The parties also discussed the digitalization of transport and logistics processes, including the development of electronic document management and customs clearance platforms, as well as the transition to the electronic exchange of permits for international road transport. The Kazakh side invited EU countries to join this project.

"Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening their transport partnership and expressed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue to develop the Trans-Caspian Corridor as a reliable and competitive route between Asia and Europe," the statement reads.