Kazakhstan closely watches developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, assessing potential effects on trade and logistics.
In a briefing at the Senate in Astana, Kazakhstan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin addressed the nation's efforts to develop alternative rail routes, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
Zhumangarin stated that while Kazakhstan is closely monitoring the situation, it is too early to make firm predictions about the conflict's impact. He emphasised that the country is paying close attention to potential disruptions in logistics due to the conflict, but noted that Kazakhstan's primary exports to Iran, primarily food products, may not be significantly affected.
Amid instability with Iran, Kazakhstan is actively developing alternative rail routes to the south, focusing on new corridors through Central and South Asia. One such key alternative route is the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan transit corridor. This corridor, running from southwestern Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to the Pakistan border, aims to boost regional connectivity and provide Kazakhstan access to South and West Asian markets, including Indian Ocean ports.
Kazakhstan is also investing heavily in rail capacity expansions and modernization to support these new transit routes. Projects include the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk–Moyynty section, enhancing rail traffic from the Chinese border westward, and the development of a new Darbaza–Maktaaral line in southern Kazakhstan. These projects collectively improve Kazakhstan's internal rail network and facilitate increased freight traffic along alternative routes, notably the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which links China and Europe bypassing Russia and Iran.
However, Zhumangarin mentioned that the only railway route to the south from Kazakhstan currently runs through Iran, and the poor condition of Iranian railways and challenges at station transitions currently limit the volume of transportation. He stated that alternative routes, such as those through Georgia and Chinese ports, may be considered if the situation has long-term consequences.
Zhumangarin also highlighted that these developments provide Kazakhstan with crucial southern alternatives to Iranian routes, strengthening its role as a Eurasian transport hub and supporting its "multi-vector" foreign policy aimed at diversifying trade connections beyond potentially unstable neighbours.
In a separate statement, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry called for a swift international agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, expressing hope that a peace agreement will be reached in the Iran-Israel conflict. Despite the uncertain future, Kazakhstan remains committed to ensuring reliable transport and trade connectivity, working diligently to develop alternative rail routes that will secure its position as a key player in the Eurasian transport network.
- Despite the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict posing potential disruptions in logistics, Kazakhstan is actively exploring alternative rail routes, such as the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan transit corridor, to secure access to South and West Asian markets and maintain reliable transport and trade connectivity.
- As Kazakhstan's primary exports to Iran, primarily food products, may not be significantly affected by the Iran-Israel conflict, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin is considering alternative railway routes, like those through Georgia and Chinese ports, to sustain the country's role as a Eurasian transport hub.
- Amid increasing political tension due to war-and-conflicts like the Iran-Israel conflict, Kazakhstan emphasizes the importance of policy-and-legislation and participates in discussions on a swift international agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, reinforcing its commitment to general-news that promotes peace and stability.
