Kazakhstan to Establish Logistics Centers in Three Key Regions by 2027
Kazakhstan is actively expanding its logistics infrastructure, with major projects underway to transform the Central Asian nation into a major Eurasian transport and logistics hub.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently stated that Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a key Eurasian transit hub. This assertion came in response to a parliamentary inquiry [1]. Bektenov's remarks highlight the country's focus on developing international East-West and North-South routes, involving small and medium-sized enterprises in these export-focused initiatives [2].
One of the key projects is the Tobyl multimodal logistics hub near Kostanai. With a $121.4 million investment, the hub will span 133.6 hectares and have an annual capacity of 400,000 TEU. The hub, set to be operational within the next few years, will strengthen links to China, Türkiye, Iran, and Europe [2][3].
The Sary Arka Airport in Karaganda is also being transformed into a major cargo hub. The modernization aims to turn it into a multimodal freight hub with a 200,000-ton capacity target by 2030, rated ICAO 4E [1][3].
To better serve global air cargo markets, Kazakhstan plans to launch a national cargo airline by early 2026 [1][3].
Largescale infrastructure investment is a significant part of these developments. In 2025, the government has allocated nearly $9 billion for infrastructure upgrades, including modernizing extensive road and rail networks. This investment will support the logistics growth and industrial supply chains [3][4].
The government is also implementing policies to digitalize logistics via E-Freight systems and offering incentives like SEZ tax exemptions to foster private sector participation [1][3].
These integrated developments are designed to unlock Kazakhstan’s potential as a strategic Eurasian logistics crossroads, significantly increasing transit freight volumes and industrial growth through 2027 and beyond. The initiatives also support value-added processing in Kazakhstan's agricultural sector, with the share of processed agricultural goods now accounting for 52% of total exports [5].
The expansion of export destinations is a direct result of these efforts, with Kazakhstan planning to open logistics complexes in Almaty, Astana, and the Kostanai Region by 2027 [6]. The logistics complexes will include multimodal centers and dry ports.
These efforts are driving stable export growth in Kazakhstan, ensuring compliance with international standards in Kazakhstan's agricultural exports [7]. Over the past five years, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports have grown steadily, rising from $3.4 billion in 2020 to $5.1 billion [8].
With these initiatives, Kazakhstan is poised to become a significant player in the Eurasian logistics landscape, offering efficient and compliant transport solutions for businesses worldwide.
References: [1] Kazakhstan Today. (2025). Kazakhstan to Launch National Cargo Airline by Early 2026. Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstantoday.com/articles/kazakhstan-to-launch-national-cargo-airline-by-early-2026/
[2] The Astana Times. (2025). Tobyl Logistics Hub to Boost Regional Connectivity. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2025/07/tobyl-logistics-hub-to-boost-regional-connectivity/
[3] The Diplomat. (2025). Kazakhstan's Logistics Infrastructure Boom. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/kazakhstans-logistics-infrastructure-boom/
[4] The Financial Times. (2025). Kazakhstan Invests $9 Billion in Infrastructure for Logistics Growth. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/632d4736-b74f-4d8a-a6d8-f28675d0128a
[5] The Kazakhstan Invest. (2025). Agroindustrial Sector in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstaninvest.gov.kz/en/content/agroindustrial-sector-kazakhstan
[6] The Astana Times. (2025). Kazakhstan to Open Logistics Complexes by 2027. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2025/09/kazakhstan-to-open-logistics-complexes-by-2027/
[7] The Financial Times. (2025). Kazakhstan Ensures Compliance with International Standards. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/789d5634-a23c-439a-862a-308196c012ab
[8] The Kazakhstan Invest. (2025). Kazakhstan's Agricultural Exports Grow Steadily. Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstaninvest.gov.kz/en/content/kazakhstans-agricultural-exports-grow-steadily
In the context of Kazakhstan's expanding logistics infrastructure, the development of the Tobyl multimodal logistics hub and Sary Arka Airport cargo hub aim to cater not only to general news but also sports goods, given the anticipated increase in transit links to China and Türkiye, key destinations for sporting equipment. Furthermore, the launch of a national cargo airline by early 2026 is expected to further bolster the country's logistics capabilities, accommodating various goods, including sports equipment, in the Eurasian transport and logistics landscape.
