BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 6. The World Bank is preparing a study to fortify Kazakhstan's position as a key logistics hub in the region, Andrei Mikhnev, World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
"The World Bank recognizes Kazakhstan's critical role as a land bridge connecting China, Europe, and the Middle East. To capitalize on this strategic position and address the challenges of connectivity that have historically limited the country's development, we have focused our efforts on enhancing transport links. This initiative aims to bridge regional disparities and improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and social services," he said.
As Mikhnev noted, the World Bank's current investment in Kazakhstan's transport infrastructure is hitting the road with three major projects.
"The South-West Roads Project, the East-West Roads Project, and technical assistance for the development of the Aktau port. The road projects have successfully financed the construction of over 1,900 kilometers of roads, significantly improving trade routes to the Chinese border and linking economically disadvantaged regions with the country's industrial hubs. These projects have had a transformative impact on the lives of approximately 5.5 million people residing along the Western Europe-Western China corridor," the country manager said.
He made it clear that, on top of road construction, the World Bank is lending a hand to boost the strength of the Caspian Sea's port infrastructure, shipping, and logistics networks.
"This assistance is particularly focused on mitigating climate-related risks, such as the fluctuating water levels of the Caspian Sea, which pose a significant concern for the Government of Kazakhstan. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to be available by summer 2025, offering strategic insights to fortify Kazakhstan's position as a key logistics hub in the region," Mikhnev concluded.