Kazakhstan to Build Major Dry Port and Logistics Hub at Kolzhat

Post by : Meena Rani

Kazakhstan is taking a major step to strengthen trade and logistics by constructing a huge dry port and logistics hub at Kolzhat, located on the country’s border with China. This ambitious project is aimed at improving trade efficiency, streamlining transportation, and enhancing economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

Project Overview

The Kolzhat Dry Port is planned to cover an area of 8,400 hectares, making it one of the largest logistics hubs in the region. Of this, 1,000 hectares will be dedicated to transportation, logistics, and industrial activities, while the remaining 7,400 hectares will be used for agricultural purposes and supporting infrastructure.

The project is designed to be implemented in three major phases:

• Phase 1 (2024–2026): This phase focuses on establishing a 200-hectare logistics zone with modern warehouses and transport facilities. The investment for this phase is 25 billion tenge (around US$46 million).

• Phase 2 (2026–2028): The second phase will develop an industrial zone aimed at export-oriented production, processing industries, and other manufacturing facilities. Investment for this phase is 50 billion tenge (around US$92 million).

• Phase 3 (2028–2030): The final phase will add commercial infrastructure, including retail spaces, hotels, exhibition areas, and other facilities to support business and trade operations. This phase also requires an investment of 50 billion tenge.

Facilities and Features

The Kolzhat hub will offer a variety of facilities to make trade and transportation smoother and faster:

• Warehouses: 45,000 square meters of storage space to handle different types of goods.

• Temporary Storage Facility: For short-term storage needs of traders and transporters.

• Container Terminal: To handle containerized cargo efficiently and reduce delays.

• Cross-Border Trade Hub: A dedicated center to simplify trade processes with China.

• E-Commerce Platform: A Digital platform to facilitate online trade.

• Residential and Industrial Zones: Areas for housing, offices, and industries supporting the logistics operations.

Infrastructure and Transportation Support

To make the hub functional and efficient, several transport and infrastructure upgrades are planned:

• Truck Parking Areas: Facilities to accommodate 300 trucks entering China and storage for 500 vehicles. Plans include expanding this capacity by another 500 trucks by the end of the year.

• Digital Transport Hub: Modern digital systems will help track and manage logistics and cargo movement in real-time.

Economic and Trade Impact

The Kolzhat Dry Port is expected to significantly impact Kazakhstan’s economy and trade with China:

• Cargo Growth: Cargo passing through the Kolzhat checkpoint is projected to rise from 400,000 tons in 2023 to 1.4 million tons by 2030 and reach 2.3 million tons by 2040.

• Employment Opportunities: The construction and operation of the hub will create jobs in construction, logistics, administration, and related sectors.

• Trade Expansion: The hub will simplify cross-border trade, making Kazakhstan a key gateway for trade between China and Europe.

Strategic Importance

Kolzhat’s dry port strengthens Kazakhstan’s role in the Eurasian transport network. The project will not only help move goods faster and more efficiently but will also position Kazakhstan as a strategic hub for regional commerce. It supports the country’s long-term plan to modernize infrastructure and boost economic ties with neighboring countries.

The Kolzhat Dry Port and logistics hub is more than just a transport project; it is a step toward making Kazakhstan a central trade hub in Eurasia. By carefully implementing the project in phases, the country aims to improve logistics, increase trade volumes, create jobs, and strengthen economic cooperation with China and other countries.

Kazakhstan, Kolzhat, dry port, logistics hub, China border, trade, transport