Valikhan Bakhretdinov, President of Kazakhstan-EU Gateway, held a productive meeting with Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council (ESC), to discuss prospects for enhanced cooperation in the fields of logistics, connectivity, and sustainable transport between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
The discussion focused on the growing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) in strengthening resilient and diversified supply chains between Europe and Central Asia. Particular attention was given to opportunities for improving freight transport efficiency, customs facilitation, multimodal logistics, and the role of private sector stakeholders in supporting connectivity initiatives. The European Shippers’ Council represents the logistics interests of more than 75,000 companies across Europe and actively contributes to EU transport, trade, and customs policy discussions.
The meeting also explored avenues for future engagement between Kazakhstan-EU Gateway and the European Shippers’ Council, particularly in the context of promoting dialogue between European industry representatives and Kazakh stakeholders on sustainable logistics, transport infrastructure, and trade facilitation. Both sides emphasized the importance of practical cooperation and stronger public-private partnerships to support the long-term development of Eurasian connectivity.
Kazakhstan-EU Gateway remains committed to fostering dialogue and building bridges between Kazakhstan and the European Union through partnerships with key European stakeholders and industry associations.