President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:

"We need to focus on another critical element of the country's infrastructure framework—the transport and logistics sector. This sector is of strategic importance.

Every country in our region is investing in this area, making competition increasingly intense. Given the vital role of the railway sector in freight transportation, significant attention is being paid to the construction and modernization of railway lines and stations.

Last year, traffic was launched on the second track of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway section and on the Almaty bypass line. This year, construction of the Moyynty–Kyzylzhar and Darbaza–Maktaaral railway lines is being completed, while the Bakhty–Ayagoz railway line is scheduled to be commissioned next year.

We must also fulfill our commitment to improve the country's road infrastructure. Last year alone, repair work began on 13,000 kilometers of roads, with 6,000 kilometers already brought into operation. Such a large-scale undertaking has been carried out for the first time in our nation's history. The modernization of road border crossing points must be completed next year.

As a result of these efforts, transit road freight volumes have doubled over the past five years, reaching six million tonnes. Revenue generated by road freight carriers totaled KZT 1.5 trillion last year, nearly matching the performance of the railway sector. This demonstrates the enormous potential of Kazakhstan's road transport industry, and such entrepreneurs deserve comprehensive government support.

In the aviation sector, we are rapidly expanding our route network and developing fully-fledged aviation hubs. From this perspective, the construction of a new airport in Astana is a matter of urgency. Work on this project must begin as soon as possible.

I also consider the establishment of a national cargo airline to be an important strategic decision. It will significantly strengthen Kazakhstan's position in international logistics."

"As the region's leading oil and gas producer, Kazakhstan has a responsibility to develop a robust aviation fuel supply infrastructure. This is an urgent priority that cannot be delayed.

As you know, I recently visited Brussels, where I held talks with the leaders of the European Union. Particular attention was devoted to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Over the past six years, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor have increased fivefold, exceeding four million tonnes annually. This achievement has been made possible largely through the expansion of maritime transport and the modernization of port infrastructure.

The legislative support provided by Parliament has also given a powerful impetus to the rapid development of the sector. Since 2023, eight laws have been adopted and a number of international agreements ratified to comprehensively advance the transport and logistics industry.

I am confident that through consistent and determined efforts, Kazakhstan will further strengthen its position as a reliable energy supplier and become one of the region's leading transport and logistics hubs.

The Government must give this area the highest priority. We also face another critically important and urgent task: large-scale construction. The more infrastructure and facilities we build, the faster Kazakhstan will move along the path of progress.

Our foremost priority is the development of core infrastructure. We must accelerate the construction of railways, highways, airports, railway stations, major water treatment and water supply facilities, manufacturing and industrial enterprises, urban infrastructure, and other strategic facilities.

Financial resources are temporary by nature—their value diminishes over time. Their effective use lies in delivering tangible results and creating lasting assets that can be passed on to future generations.

We must not squander public funds under the pretext of building a 'social state.' Such short-sighted policies would neither be understood nor forgiven by future generations.

In other words, we must transform Kazakhstan into one vast construction site, driving sustainable economic growth and long-term national development."