A presentation on the Trans-Caspian international transport route between China and Europe was held in the framework of a round table on 16 November 2015 in Kiev.

The event was attended by representatives of the railway administrations of Ukraine and Kazakhstan, maritime administrations and large transport and logistics operators in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The round table on the development of the TMTM was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ukraine Z. Turisbekov, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine N. Snitko and CEO of JSC Ukrzaliznitsya A. Zavgorodny.

As mentioned by the Managing Director of Logistics at JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Arman Sultanov, “the TMTM project was initiated by the President of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Askar Mamin. The route aims to increase the transit potential of the Caspian region and the integration of this area in the transport of goods between Europe and Asia."

In July this year first Nomad Express container train was launched from China (Shihezi) and travelled to Kazakhstan (Dostyk-Aktau port) and Azerbaijan (Kishly). The train completed the 4726 km-journey in just six days.

At the end of November, a joint initiative will be conducted with the Chinese to organise a Nomad Express container service from China - Kazakhstan - Azerbaijan - Georgia - Turkey (Istanbul).

At present, there is the possibility of sending goods via the TMTM route through Ukraine and further to Europe and back.

The TMTM project has great opportunities to realise transit potential and develop trade on the Eurasian continent. This will expand the horizons of cooperation with the countries of Southern and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.

Developing the TMTM also ties in with the aim of implementing the “Ukraine-Kazakhstan for 2015-2017” Action Plan (Roadmap - 5), signed by the Heads of State of Kazakhstan and Ukraine in October this year.

Overall, the event was of great interest among Ukrainian partners and shippers.

(Source: KTZ)