Logistics partnership between Kazakhstan and China: investments and development of transport corridors

This article examines the investment cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China in the field of logistics and cross-border trade, focusing on strategic priorities and infrastructural synergy in the development of transcontinental transport corridors. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of joint Kazakh-Chinese investment projects in logistics infrastructure (including the Khorgos “Eastern Gate” dry port and the integration of railway routes into the Belt and Road Initiative) and to assess their impact on trade flows and transport corridors. The scientific significance of this work lies in enriching the Theory of International Economic Cooperation with new evidence from the practical implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia, as well as in revealing the mechanisms of infrastructure integration, using Kazakhstan as a case study. The practical value of the results is reflected in recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of logistics hubs and investment models, which can inform the strategic planning of transport corridors. The contribution of this research is a comprehensive analysis of the Khorgos dry port case and related projects, identifying key success factors and limitations (such as the dependence of transit shipments on subsidies and market conditions) and synthesizing the experience of Kazakhstan and China in aligning their infrastructure strategies. The study employs methods of systems and comparative analysis, a statistical review of trade and transport indicators, case studies, and content analysis of official documents.

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