President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Senior Vice President Eduard Ziegrist. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector and the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The head of state noted that one of the key areas of cooperation is increasing the level of containerization of cargo transportation, which will significantly increase cargo turnover.
The President emphasized that the development of the Middle Corridor remains a strategic priority for Kazakhstan.
"We consider the development of the Middle Corridor as one of the key priorities of the country's transport and logistics policy," Tokayev said.
During the meeting, the head of state spoke about measures to strengthen the potential of the Trans-Caspian route.
According to him, Kazakhstan, together with Azerbaijan and Georgia, is working to create a unified long-term tariff model. At the same time, large infrastructure projects are being implemented, including the expansion of the cargo fleet in the Caspian Sea, dredging works jointly with Azerbaijan, and the modernization of the Kuryk port.
Tokayev also welcomed MSC's interest in investing in Kazakhstan's port infrastructure.
"Such projects will significantly increase the competitiveness of the route and contribute to the growth of cargo volumes between Asia and Europe," the President stressed.
In turn, Eduard Ziegrist presented MSC's long-term plans for business development in Kazakhstan.
According to him, the company is considering the possibility of investing in logistics terminals, railway assets, port infrastructure, maritime services, as well as air cargo transportation.
Mediterranean Shipping Company is one of the world's largest operators of container shipping and logistics services. The company operates in more than 150 countries and is among the leaders of the global maritime cargo transportation market.