Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls CIS leaders to turn region into large transport and logistics hub

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States to keep interacting within the CIS format for overcoming the emerging crises and search for new spheres for strengthening productive cooperation. He said it today at the CIS Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Kazinform Agency reports via Akorda.

In his words, the development of close trade-economic ties remains a key task.

“CIS countries’ markets are a priority for us. More than one fourth of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover falls on the CIS states, following the last year results. This positive dynamics persists this year too. Kazakhstan’s trade turnover shows a 4.5% rise in seven months of 2023 and stands at 20.5 billion US dollars. We need to fully use the existing potential to further strengthen the trade ties,” said the President .
According to him, the elimination of trade barriers, creation of favorable tariff conditions and simplification of administrative procedures shall be in spotlight.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out the importance of development of the transport corridors on the CIS space.
“We should take advantage of our unique geographical position and connect global markets, turning the region into the largest transport and logistics hub. Amid the formation of the world’s new economic geography and surge of trade flows, this area gains a strategic importance. About 80% of land transit traffic between Europe and Asia passes through the territory of Kazakhstan. We give special attention to further development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, North-South corridor as well as full-fledged use of the potential of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railroad. Kazakhstan sets a goal to speed up the implementation of Dostyk-Moiynty, Bakhty-Ayagoz, Darbaza-Maktaaral railroad projects,” the President said.