Working meeting of border railways of Kazakhstan and China held for the first half of 2026

30-07-2026

A working meeting was held in Astana between NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC and a delegation from China Railway's Urumqi Railway Bureau Co., Ltd. The key focus of the meeting was to review the results of the first half of 2026 and to develop effective measures to fulfill the annual freight transportation plan.

The parties noted that during the first six months of 2026, the total volume of freight transportation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People's Republic of China reached 18,662 thousand tons, representing a 9.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This total includes 11,702 thousand tons transported from Kazakhstan to China (a 9.5% growth compared to 2025) and 6,960 thousand tons transported from China to Kazakhstan (an 8.7% growth compared to 2025).

It was also highlighted that during the first half of the year, 1,085 thousand TEU containers were transported through the border railways of China and Kazakhstan, which is 6.6% higher than the same period last year. Out of this total, 741.8 thousand TEUs were transported in transit through Kazakhstan, showing a 10.4% increase compared to 2025.

The parties noted with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the teams of the border stations of both countries and expressed their gratitude to them for their hard work and dedication.

The parties emphasized a steady trend towards significant growth in cargo traffic volumes heading towards Central Asian countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including as part of the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). To support this momentum, the meeting participants agreed to continue joint efforts to ensure an uninterrupted logistics service.

The Kazakh side reported a growing demand from neighboring states for the import of liquid bulk oil cargo from the People's Republic of China. Recognizing the strategic significance of this route, Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to receive and process up to 90 thousand tons of liquid bulk oil cargo monthly. In turn, the Chinese side expressed its willingness to support these shipments and to jointly explore the technological capabilities of the border infrastructure to further increase bulk cargo transportation volumes.

The successful experience of holding joint professional skill competitions in 2024–2025 for border station workers was highlighted, which took place within the framework of aligning the "Nurly Zhol" and "Belt and Road" programs. Following the meeting, a decision was made to hold the III Joint Professional Skill Competition.

The meeting was held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. As a result of the negotiations, the parties agreed to coordinate actions to expand the capacity of border crossings and synchronize train schedules in order to make up for delays in the annual plan.

NC KTZ JSC and China Railway's Urumqi Railway Bureau Co., Ltd. reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of their strategic partnership in the field of railway transportation.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»