On June 20, 2024, the Regional Forum on Cargo Transportation and Logistics commenced in Astana under the auspices of the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), supported by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Civil Aviation Committee, and the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan. The Forum, themed "Silk Road in the Sky – Kazakhstan Cargo Hub", aims to significantly contribute to achieving the Concept of Developing the Transport and Logistics Potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by theMinister of Transport Marat Karabayev, the Chairman of TIACA Steven Polmans, TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes, and Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, Catalin Radu.

In his speech, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev highlighted that the task is to strengthen its position as a transit hub in Eurasia and eventually become a full-fledged transport and logistics state. He stressed that the dynamic development of this industry should become a strategic task. He concluded by wishing everyone fruitful discussions during the panel sessions.

“We are proud to support the growth of Kazakhstan as an air cargo hub as it is in line with our mission and vision for the industry by promoting and encouraging business through connectivity. We not only encourage investment in known cargo hubs but also budding cargo hubs like Kazakhstan. We look forward to working with these organizations as they grow their cargo capacity and businesses.” stated Steven Polmans, TIACA Chairman.

“This first TIACA event in Central Asia showed us, as well as the attendees, the focus and drive of the air cargo industry within this region. We are excited to work together to support their collective vision for growth and economic prosperity, whilst ensuring the key industry priorities of safety, security and compliance are fundamentally at the center of that growth.” stated Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA.

“There is a strategic goal, supported by our president and prime minister, to position Kazakhstan as an air cargo hub due to our favorable geographic location, historical context (Silk Way) and available resources. Our collaboration with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), the number one global air cargo industry association, will address challenges and set the agenda for Kazakhstan’s emergence as a regional hub,” - Catalin Radu, Director General of theAviation Administration of Kazakhstan said.

More than 300 participants from 30 countries joined the Forum, representing various organizations involved in the entire freight transport chain. Notably, these included shippers, forwarders, ground handling providers, airports, airlines, manufacturers, and information technology providers.

During the 8 sessions of the Forum, industry experts will have the opportunity to discuss current issues in the following areas: the regulatory framework of the industry, an overview of the current state of the freight transportation industry, multimodal logistics, the creation of cargo aviation hubs, trends, innovations and digitalization of air freight, opportunities and challenges of e-commerce, sustainable development of freight transportation, and the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Additionally, negotiations between individual organizations will take place during the Forum, and it is expected that documents will be signed between several airports (in Astana, Karaganda, and Aktobe) and MNG Airlines, MSC Air Cargo SA, Coyne Airways Limited, and Alpha Sky (Kazakhstan) (TBC). Memorandums of cooperation will also be signed between TIACA and local airports (in Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Karaganda, and Uralsk) and the SCAT airline, as well as between the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and the JARUS organization.

There are 23 airports in Kazakhstan, including 8 airports with operating cargo terminals in Almaty, Astana, Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe, Karaganda, Shymkent, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. The airports in Astana, Karaganda, Aktau, and Aktobe also have the potential to develop as cargo hubs.

The interaction of Kazakhstani companies with the global community and the use of advanced technologies will help to increase trade turnover with Central Asian countries by 2.4 times, from 6.3 to 15.0 billion US dollars, including an increase in Kazakhstani exports by 560 million US dollars.

One of the key objectives of the Forum will be to support Kazakhstan's integration into international freight logistics chains and to strengthen its position as a crucial transport hub on the Eurasian continent. This aligns with the goals outlined in the Concept of Developing the Transport and Logistics Potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030. The interaction of Kazakhstani companies with the international community and the adoption of advanced technologies will help to achieve significant progress in this area.