Kazakhstan, China, and Russia are preparing to launch a unified digital platform (SDP) for container shipping, spanning from the Selyatino railway station near Moscow to Xi'an in China, Sputnik reports. This initiative, announced by Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), aims to streamline logistics processes, enhance e-commerce capabilities, optimize customs procedures, and reduce trade barriers across participating countries.
The SDP agreement is slated to be finalized during an upcoming Kazakh-Chinese Business Council meeting in July. Once operational, the platform will facilitate customs clearance and e-commerce transactions, benefiting not only the three collaborating states but also extending services to other nations.
KTZ expressed that the SDP will significantly simplify logistics, foster e-commerce growth, improve customs efficiencies, lower trading obstacles, and enhance transparency and effectiveness within supply chains.
The draft agreement has been developed under the auspices of CRK Terminal, a joint venture established in April 2024. This consortium includes KTZ Express (a KTZ subsidiary), Russian Slavtrans-Service (Eurasia trading and logistical complex), and Xi'an Free Trade Port in China. CRK Terminal plans to engage with major marketplaces such as Alibaba, Pinduoduo, JD, and 1688.com, alongside relevant authorities in China, Kazakhstan, and Russia to bolster the project.
In addition to the digital platform, KTZ Express, Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation, and Belarussian Unionway aim to develop a logistical fulfilment centre at the Svisloch station in Belarus. This centre will serve as a pivotal hub for processing and distributing goods between China and Europe, enhancing connectivity and efficiency along the Eurasian corridor.
In 2023, railway cargo transit through Kazakhstan from China to Russia and back totalled 3.8 mn tons, marking a significant 33% increase y/y. This momentum continued into 1Q24, maintaining a robust volume of 900,000 tons.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)