KAZAKHSTAN national railway, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and global terminal operator DP World have signed an agreement to manage and develop of Aktau seaport on the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea at the free economic zone called the Khorgos-Eastern Gates.

Aktau port is the only sea port in the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to Bunker Ports News Worldwide, adding that it focuses on international shipping of dry cargo, crude oil and oil products.

The port was built in 1963 to transport cargo for the uranium industry and oil field products for the Mangyshlak region. Later, Aktau port played a significant role in the construction of the nuclear power plant BN-350, factories of the chemical industry sector and Aktau city itself.

DP World chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem said his company was ready to make use of its experience and apply the most advanced technologies to implement the project on the Kazakhstan-Chinese border in the shortest time possible to make Khorgos a major logistics centre in Eurasia. He pointed out that the key elements of success of transport-logistics centres were a well-developed infrastructure that attracts foreign business and investments.

"Kazakhstan has a good location between the emerging economy of China and the European markets. Besides, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev pursues a balanced foreign policy. We suggest Kazakhstan to create the best infrastructure in the region that will be comfortable for businesses," Mr Sulayem stressed.

Asian Shipper News