Kazakhstan puts transport and water security on SCO agenda

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation heads of government meeting in Dushanbe on 20 October. Kazakhstan proposed closer coordination of regional transport corridors and upgrades to sea and dry ports. The government cited the Trans-Caspian route as a possible platform for cooperation; carrying 10 million tonnes a year remains a target.

Kazakhstan also raised energy and water security, including an energy cooperation strategy to 2030 and a proposed SCO centre for analysing water problems. According to the government, national currencies already account for almost 70% of Kazakhstan’s cross-border payments with SCO member states.

Digital trade procedures and exchange of technology were discussed as well. Businesses will need to watch for subsequent agreements, schedules and border rules: summit proposals do not themselves open a route or remove trade barriers.

Primary source: primeminister.kz
Cover: Photo: official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, CC BY 4.0.