Kazakh president says his nation has historic chance to become Eurasian logistics hub

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Kazakhstan has a historic opportunity to become a leading logistics hub in Eurasia as vulnerabilities in maritime routes increase the strategic importance of land corridors, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Wednesday.

Speaking in a special address to the nation, which was broadcast live, Tokayev emphasized that about 85% of freight transported from China to Europe passes through Kazakhstan.

“Global logistics has entered a period of large-scale transformation and accelerated development,” he said, calling for the development of domestic logistics operators, cargo distribution centers and manufacturing facilities around transport hubs.

The president noted that the international situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable, citing declining trust among major powers and weakening international institutions.

According to him, Kazakhstan must continue domestic reforms and strengthen its sovereignty.

Turning to other projects, Tokayev said construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, Balhash, could begin in 2027, while an agreement on cooperation to accelerate a second plant, Moyynkum, could be signed that year.

He also proposed establishing a strategic uranium reserve to ensure long-term fuel supplies for the country’s planned nuclear plants and urged foreign partners to support technology transfer and the development of high-tech industries.

On economic policy, Tokayev called for studying higher tax rates for wealthy individuals, improving tax collection through artificial intelligence and amending the 2025 tax code where necessary to make business rules more predictable.

He also instructed the government to prepare a new Civil Code, which parliament could adopt by the end of 2027, to reflect modern technologies and economic developments.