Kazakhstan plans network of international dry ports in Europe, China, Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan plans to develop a network of international freight terminals across Europe, China, and Azerbaijan as part of efforts to strengthen its role as a regional logistics hub, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev said on April 24, 2026.

Speaking during a briefing in the Senate, Sauranbayev said the new facilities would function as “universal dry ports” designed to streamline cargo flows and improve multimodal transport connectivity, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media. 

“These will be multi-hubs serving all modes of transport. Xi’an is China’s largest dry port, consolidating all cargo flows. There, we collect all cargo from across China and send it to its destination. This port is one of the best solutions. We also plan to build a similar dry port in Chengdu,” he said.

He added that Kazakhstan’s plans include cooperation with international partners and existing logistics hubs, particularly in China.

“We work with partners. And one of our key partners is the Xi’an dry port. We work in partnership with them on almost all major projects. That is, it’s the Xi’an port, KTZ, and a partner from the country we’re entering,” the minister said.

The initiative is expected to expand Kazakhstan’s transit capacity and strengthen its position as a key link in Eurasian trade routes connecting Asia and Europe.

By Sabina Mammadli