Kazakhstan signs $462 mln in agreements at Brussels forum to develop Middle CorridorKazakhstan has signed agreements worth $462 million to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) during a business forum in Brussels held as part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's official visit, the press service of national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy reported."The practical outcome of the forum was the conclusion of four agreements totaling $462 million, aimed at strengthening transport connectivity between Europe and Asia and further developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route," KTZ said in a statement following the forum, titled "Strengthening Kazakhstan-EU Connectivity: Prospects and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route."Among the agreements signed was a memorandum of cooperation on comprehensive digitalization of state airports, including the introduction of biometric identification, between Swiss-based SITA (Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques) and Kazakhstan's Transport Ministry.Kazavtozhol, the national road operator, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signed a loan agreement for the reconstruction of the Aktobe-Ulgaisyn highway.Kazavtozhol said the project carries a total cost of 523 billion tenge, with the EBRD providing a loan of 229.5 billion tenge. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will also participate in financing the project."The project provides for the reconstruction of 234 kilometers of road on the 763-791 km and 819-1025 km sections. The road will be upgraded to Category I with four-lane traffic, asphalt concrete pavement and a design speed of up to 120 km/h," Kazavtozhol said in a statement.The Aktobe-Ulgaisyn section is part of the Western Europe – Western China international route, providing transport links between Europe, Central Asia and China, the company added.KTZ Express, a KTZ subsidiary, signed an agreement with Midia Marine Terminal, which operates an offshore oil terminal located 8.6 kilometers east of the Port of Midia on Romania's Black Sea coast, to implement a joint project at the Port of Midia. "The project will expand the route's infrastructure capabilities on the Black Sea and improve cargo handling efficiency," the statement said.In addition, KTZ Express and Denmark's A.P. Moller – Maersk reached agreements on developing container shipments along the Trans-Caspian route and increasing cargo flows along the corridor.The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) is a transport, warehousing and distribution company, which is part of Kazakhstan’s National Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna. KTZ operates the country’s railways, the infrastructure of seaports and airports, transportation and warehousing facilities.KTZ Express specializes in multimodal transportation and international freight services, operating in China, Central Asia, Europe, Turkiye and the Middle East. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX