The China-Kazakhstan logistics cooperation base in Lianyungang, which became operational in May 2014, has become a vital logistics hub within the Belt and Road Initiative. It is the first joint logistics platform established by the two countries to optimize freight transport and trade between China and Kazakhstan, as well as to expand transit opportunities in Central Asia and Europe.
The base is strategically located on the eastern coast of China, near the Yellow Sea coast. The container terminal covers an area of 220,000 square meters, with railway lines stretching 3.8 km. Its maximum throughput capacity is 410,000 TEUs per year. These figures confirm the base’s significance as a key element in international multimodal transport, including China-Europe railway routes.
In 2023, the base handled 66,100 standard containers, an increase of 10.7% compared to the previous year. Over 400 different types of goods are transported through Lianyungang, including household appliances, medical supplies, construction materials, as well as potash fertilizers, ferroalloys, and cotton yarn.
Development of Transport Routes and Cross-Border Cooperation
The base services six railway routes crossing Central Asia and linking China with Europe. Since the logistics center opened, over 6,000 trains have been dispatched along these routes, with the network covering more than 100 international cargo stations. This high level of cooperation has allowed for faster and higher-volume freight transport.
One of the most important routes is the transit corridor through the Khorgos and Alashankou checkpoints, connecting China with Kazakhstan and Europe. This corridor enables the transportation of goods both from China and in the reverse direction (Xinhua News).
Contribution to Kazakhstan’s Economy
Kazakhstan holds a key position in the transport chain, as more than 80% of all imported goods pass through Lianyungang. As a result, Kazakhstan’s logistics capabilities have significantly improved, especially in areas such as e-commerce, the delivery of construction materials, household appliances, and even automobiles.
Improvement of Technologies and Development Prospects
In recent years, the quality of transport services provided by the base has significantly improved. For example, delivery time from Lianyungang to Almaty has been reduced from 20 days to 7-8 days, thanks to improved coordination and the modernization of multimodal transport mechanisms. Innovative methods have also been introduced, reducing transshipment time by 75% and lowering costs by 60% (BusinessKZ) (Xinhua News).
The China-Kazakhstan logistics cooperation base is a prime example of successful interaction under the Belt and Road Initiative. Its contribution to the development of economic ties between China and Kazakhstan has a positive impact on international trade and accelerates the integration of Central Asia into the global economy.
This experience serves as a model for other countries participating in the initiative, demonstrating how the effective use of logistics resources and the implementation of innovations can contribute to sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
