Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea ports, Aktau and Kuryk, handled a
significant 4.5 million tonnes of cargo in the first eight months of the year,
according to Kazakhstan Railways (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, KTZ). This figure
reflects a more accurate assessment of port activity, as earlier reports from
the country’s statistics office had suggested different, less realistic
numbers. The uptick in cargo handling at these ports is a positive indicator
for Kazakhstan’s trade and logistics sector. Aktau, in particular, serves as a
crucial transit point for goods moving between Central Asia, Europe, and the
Middle East, while Kuryk is also pivotal for shipping operations in the region.
The increased volume of cargo suggests a strengthening of trade routes and a
growing role for Kazakhstan in regional commerce. KTZ's clarification helps to
provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the performance of these
key maritime gateways, which is essential for planning and investment decisions
in the transport and logistics sectors. It’s encouraging to see such
transparency and improvement in the reporting of trade figures.

