DUSHANBE, October 2025 — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s strategic commitment to deepening transport and logistics cooperation with Russia, underscoring the nation’s central position in the Eurasian transport network. Speaking at the Central Asia–Russia Summit, Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s vital role in linking East and West, with Russia serving as a key gateway for regional economies to access global markets.

Recent data reflect substantial progress in cross-border rail connectivity. Rail freight volumes from Russia to Central Asia via Kazakhstan have surged 26% over the past three years, surpassing 30 million tons. In the reverse direction, the growth has been even stronger, with transit increasing nearly 50%. Meanwhile, shipments from Russia to China through Kazakhstan’s rail corridors have tripled to more than 5 million tons, signaling the rapid expansion of new Russia–China rail routes across Central Asia.

These developments are reshaping Eurasian logistics, facilitating greater trade between Russia, China, and Central Asia, and reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a critical overland transit hub. The country currently operates 11 international transport corridors five rail and six road which collectively handle about 85% of all overland freight between Asia and Europe. Over the past 15 years, Kazakhstan has invested more than USD 35 billion in transport infrastructure and modernization, significantly boosting capacity and reliability.

“For Kazakhstan, cooperation with Russia is strategically vital,” Tokayev emphasized. “Our country can ensure a stable connection between East and West, North and South, serving as the central link in the Eurasian transport and logistics network.”

The continued expansion of freight capacity and the creation of new corridors underscore a broader regional shift toward integrated, high-efficiency overland transport networks. As Central Asia cements its place in global trade routes, Kazakhstan stands at the forefront bridging continents and driving economic integration across Eurasia.

Source: RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA