President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has launched the construction of the Kyzylorda – Saksaulsk, Ulgaysyn – Saksaulsk, and Beyneu – Saksaulsk highways, reports infohub.kz.
The head of state emphasized that Kazakhstan should become a leading logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. Domestic companies are planned to be involved in the projects, which will provide jobs for over 10,000 people. After the highways are launched, cargo traffic will increase 2.5 times, reaching 13.2 million tons annually.
"The main goal is to turn our country into one of the leading logistics hubs connecting Europe and Asia. Road transport in Kazakhstan has almost equaled railway transport in terms of revenue," the president noted.
Tokayev stated that all projects must be completed by 2029, and all necessary conditions have been created for this. He separately noted the importance of the Beyneu – Saksaulsk highway, which is 800 kilometers long. In his opinion, this road is intended to become a key international transport artery.
"The project will directly connect checkpoints on the border with China to the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. As a result, the distance of cargo transportation from China to Europe will be reduced by 1,000 kilometers, and delivery time will be cut to 3 days," Tokayev added.
In conclusion, he proposed naming this route the "Aral-Caspian Highway."