On May 29, 2026, China and Kazakhstan held a meeting of the Joint Committee on International Road Transport in Beijing, clarifying that the quota for cross-border road transport permits will be completely abolished within 2026, and a new model of quota free travel will be officially implemented. The relaxation of policies and the upgrading of port facilities this time will further unleash the potential for cross-border logistics development between the two countries and consolidate the location and transportation advantages of the Central Asian land trade corridor.

Implement multiple logistics upgrade measures

The conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, its financial institutions, and KazAvtoZhol state-owned enterprises. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on improving the quality, efficiency, and expansion of cross-border road transportation.

The meeting has finalized the core favorable policies, which will cancel the quota restrictions on cross-border transportation permits within the year, and simultaneously promote the optimization and upgrading of the permit system, the renovation of border infrastructure, and the expansion of cross-border passenger transport routes, with a focus on strengthening the two-way customs clearance efficiency of Nur Zoli Port. Both sides unanimously agreed to continue deepening the normalized cooperation in the field of cross-border highway transportation and promote the continuous deepening and implementation of bilateral connectivity.

High logistics demand

The current cross-border transportation market in Kazakhstan is developing rapidly. From January to April 2026, the local road freight volume increased by 15.5% year-on-year, the freight turnover increased by 8.2%, and the passenger volume and throughput increased by 8.9% and 3.5% respectively year-on-year. The demand for passenger and freight circulation continues to rise.

With the increasing frequency of cross-border commercial exchanges, the constraint effect of traditional transportation quota management system is becoming more prominent, which restricts the efficiency of cross-border trade and logistics circulation. Relaxing quota restrictions and upgrading port clearance conditions have become urgent needs for industry development.

Improve the logistics map of Central Asia

This policy adjustment is an important breakthrough in the construction of China Kazakhstan connectivity. By breaking down quota barriers, it effectively reduces the institutional costs of cross-border logistics and greatly improves the convenience and freedom of cross-border road traffic. The improvement of port infrastructure and the optimization of cross-border passenger transportation routes have further improved and perfected the supporting system of land transportation between China and Kazakhstan. Keywords:Engineering Construction,Construction News,Engineering Information

In the long run, this move will continue to activate bilateral trade and transit logistics vitality, further consolidate Kazakhstan's position as a regional logistics hub, and ensure the efficient and stable operation of the China Central Asia land economic and trade corridor.Editor/Gong Ziwei