On June 10, a major milestone in China-Kazakhstan trade was reached with the official opening of the China·Xi’an Kazakhstan Freight Terminal in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This new terminal strengthens direct transport links between Almaty and the existing Kazakhstan Xi’an Terminal in Xi’an, China.
The opening event also marked the arrival of the first China-Europe freight train from Xi’an to Jetysu (Almaty section), showing how this route is becoming a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
A Landmark Project for Shaanxi
This is Shaanxi Province’s first overseas logistics hub, built in partnership with Xi’an International Inland Port Investment & Development Group and KTZ Customs Services Company from Kazakhstan. The terminal spans 9.8 hectares (147 mu) and was developed with an investment of $62.1 million.
More than just a train station, the terminal is a modern logistics center that offers:
- Cargo loading and unloading
- Storage facilities
- Transport transfers
- Exhibition areas
- Office space
The site includes a 92,000-square-meter terminal and storage yard, designed to handle up to 115,000 TEUs (standard shipping containers) each year. It also features a 1.2 km railway loading line and space to store over 1,100 containers, making it a vital hub for international trade and transportation.
Expanding the Global Logistics Network
At a press conference, Yang Bing, Director of the Xi’an Chanba International Port, shared plans for the future. Xi’an is speeding up the development of new freight terminals in Moscow and Baku, and is also planning projects in Budapest and Minsk.
“Our goal is to build a global network that connects freight trains with overseas warehouses,” Yang said. “We want to create a smart, large-scale logistics system to better support international trade.”
