An international business conference titled "Strengthening Connectivity between Kazakhstan and the EU: Prospects and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)" is taking place in Brussels, Belgium. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The event is organized by JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" with the support of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Belgium.
The conference has brought together over 100 high-ranking participants from Kazakhstan and European Union countries. These include Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, heads of the Administration of the President and the Government of Kazakhstan, management of JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy", representatives of international financial institutions (EBRD, EIB), major transport and logistics companies, cargo owners, and industry associations.
Key presentations were delivered by representatives of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan, the Government of Kazakhstan, the European Parliament, the management of KTZ, as well as top management of leading EU logistics corporations such as DHL Global Forwarding, Alstom, DB Cargo, HHLA International, RHENUS, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, and A.P. Moller – Maersk.
The conference is held within the framework of the official visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kingdom of Belgium at the invitation of the President of the European Council.
This platform serves as a practical continuation of the strategic dialogue at the highest level. During the visit of the Head of State, important negotiations are planned with President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever.
The participants are focusing on strategic issues of developing the Middle Corridor, including increasing the capacity of the TITR, modernizing railway, port, and terminal infrastructure, digitalizing logistics processes, forming sustainable supply chains in the Eurasian space, and others.
Special attention during the discussions is given to integrating the Middle Corridor with the European Union's Global Gateway initiative, as well as expanding transport and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.
The high status of the delegates and the synergy with the agenda of the President of Kazakhstan's visit confirm the growing interest of European institutions, international financial organizations, and businesses in the development of the Middle Corridor, solidifying Kazakhstan's status as a key transit and logistics hub between Eurasia and the EU.
For reference: The European Council is the body comprising the heads of state or government of EU member states. It defines the general political directions and strategic priorities of the European Union but does not usually adopt laws. The European Commission is the executive body of the EU. It drafts legislative proposals, monitors the implementation of EU laws, manages the EU budget, and represents the interests of the Union as a whole, not individual countries.