The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan visited the Zhetygen Transport and Logistics Center of Istkomtrans company.

On May 31, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, during a working visit to Almaty Region, visited the Zhetygen Transport and Logistics Center (TLC Zhetygen) of Istkomtrans, located in the city of Alatau, Almaty Region.

The Zhetygen TLC, situated in close proximity to the city of Almaty and 293 km from the Altynkol station (Khorgos), will contribute significantly to easing the railway and road infrastructure of Almaty.

The purpose of establishing the terminal is to increase the efficiency of railway transportation and terminal handling when working with export, import, and transit cargo. The operation of the terminal helps reduce shippers’ costs for container transportation to and from China, as well as reduce wagon turnover by shifting cargo operations outside the city of Almaty.

“The Head of State in his Address highlighted the strategic importance of realizing the country’s transport and logistics potential. We must use this serious advantage, which opens up broad prospects. We are interested in new projects that will have a positive impact on trade and the economy as a whole. At present, we are addressing infrastructure issues, creating the necessary conditions and communications for business operations. Enterprises themselves, at the same time, can direct the funds they save towards improving product quality and further expansion, creating new jobs,” emphasized Olzhas Bektenov.

The container terminal at Zhetygen TLC has a processing capacity of more than 100,000 TEU, and the terminal is capable of receiving full-size container trains of up to 80 conventional wagons in length. The terminal is equipped with ramps for loading and unloading wheeled machinery and vehicles, as well as a zone for connecting and handling 80 refrigerated containers simultaneously.

An important milestone was the opening of the temporary storage facility and customs warehouse (Import 70), which allows goods to be stored under customs control for a specified period without paying customs duties and taxes.

One of the key achievements is the launch in May 2024 of the only terminal in Central Asia for transshipping bulk cargo from universal wagons into containers for subsequent export to China. The capacity of the terminal’s first phase is over 500,000 tons per year.

The parent company Istkomtrans owns fitting platforms, covered wagons, and open wagons, which are used to provide clients with comprehensive turnkey services.

“For the subsequent stages of the terminal and industrial zone development, we plan to invest more than USD 150 million into the expansion of warehouse and production capacities. The purpose of this funding is to expand the transport hub, build assembly facilities, plants using mineral raw material components, and enterprises producing higher value-added products intended for export and for meeting domestic demand. The construction of such facilities, in turn, will lead to the creation of new jobs and an increase in tax revenues to the budget,” said Marat Sarsenov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Istkomtrans LLP.