He emphasized that the full launch of five hubs in Kazakhstan will reduce cargo transit times, boost industrial production volumes, and increase tax revenues. It will also attract investments and technologies, implement significant projects, and create new permanent jobs.
"For instance, the implementation of the 'Central Asia' hub project at the border with Uzbekistan will increase the railway infrastructure's capacity by 20 million tons per year. The establishment of a container hub at the port of Aktau will ensure an increase in cargo handling from 92,000 to 300,000 containers annually," said Olzhas Bektenov.
He added that the hubs will help form a unified space with Kazakhstan's trading partners. This will significantly enhance trade turnover between countries and strengthen strategic relations with neighbors. To achieve the planned effect, it is necessary to mobilize all resources of the relevant state bodies and akimats.
"In this regard, I assign the following tasks. First, the ministries of foreign affairs, trade, and integration, together with the akimats, should create a pool of potential foreign investors for each hub and explore their participation in projects. The operational conditions for the managing companies of the hubs need to be defined. Their activities should be as efficient as possible, and, importantly, there must be ongoing efforts to ensure the hubs are filled with promising projects," Olzhas Bektenov stated.
He also instructed the Ministry of Industry, in collaboration with the ministries of national economy, finance, and akimats, to take necessary measures within a month to create and expand special economic zones for the development of cross-border hubs.
"Akimats must ensure that all hubs are equipped with infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, transport routes, and communications. The Ministry of Energy and the akimat of the Zhambyl region should promptly address the construction of a substation in the Kordai district to provide electricity for the industrial trade logistics complex," the head of government continued.
The Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Trade and Integration with ensuring effective coordination among all participants in the process of creating and developing cross-border hubs, as well as resolving any problematic issues within the framework of the operational working group.
"I would like to reiterate the personal responsibility of the heads of state bodies and akimats for the completion of hub construction and their operations," Olzhas Bektenov reminded.
The five hubs are located at the borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and along the Caspian coast. Their construction will accelerate trade interactions with neighboring countries, increase non-raw material exports by 30%, and simplify logistical procedures for businesses.
Previously, Olzhas Bektenov instructed to conduct an inventory of the housing waiting lists.