BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Alstom underscores the pivotal role of Central Asia as a gateway and transportation hub for numerous countries, said Jerome Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom in Western and Central Asia, in an exclusive interview with Trend.
"Central Asia is a crucial gateway to the region and a significant transportation hub for numerous countries. Our long-term vision is to reinforce this strategic position by enhancing our contributions to regional economic integration and sustainable transportation goals," Boyet said.
To achieve these objectives, Alstom has committed to developing its human and industrial capacities in alignment with customer needs. "A prime example of this commitment is our ongoing development of services that provide our customers with a predictable and reliable outlook on their operating costs. By securing the availability and reliability levels of their assets, we aim to support our clients for up to 25 years, ensuring they can operate with confidence and efficiency," Boyet noted.
He further highlighted the company’s focus on promoting sustainable transportation solutions that align with eco-friendly economic growth. "Through our innovations and advanced technologies, we aim to make significant strides toward more efficient, greener rail networks that support the wider objectives of sustainable development in the region," Boyet added.
Alstom’s commitment to the modernization of transport infrastructure extends to fostering collaboration among nations. "As Central Asia continues to evolve, Alstom is dedicated to being a proactive partner in this journey, contributing to the modernization of transport infrastructure and fostering collaboration among nations to enhance interconnectivity and economic prosperity," Boyet stated.
The company’s strong presence in Kazakhstan serves as a foundation for its regional ambitions. Boyet pointed to Kazakhstan's strategic role in facilitating exports of locomotives and rail equipment to neighboring countries. "There are indeed significant opportunities to export locomotives and other rail equipment to neighboring countries. We welcome these opportunities as our manufacturing setup in Kazakhstan is fully capable of meeting the needs of the region and extending our reach to the broader 1520 gauge market," he explained.
Boyet emphasized the advantages of Alstom's local expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities. "Our strategic location and advanced manufacturing capabilities empower us to efficiently produce high-quality rail solutions that cater to the specific requirements of Central Asian countries. By leveraging our local expertise and relationships, we can respond effectively to the growing demand for modern, efficient rail transport in neighboring markets," he said.
Sustainability remains at the core of Alstom's operations, positioning the company as a preferred partner for countries seeking to enhance their rail infrastructure. "Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability and technological innovation positions us as a preferred partner for countries looking to enhance their rail infrastructure. We are excited about the potential to expand our exports and contribute to the development of neighboring railway systems, ultimately fostering greater connectivity and economic collaboration across the region," Boyet added.
Commitment to localization
"Currently, Alstom employs around 1,300 people in the region across 12 locations in three countries—Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. This workforce not only contributes to local economies by providing employment opportunities but also supports the development of skilled labor in the railway sector," Boyet stated.
A cornerstone of Alstom’s regional strategy is its focus on localization. "Alstom is committed to sourcing materials and services locally whenever possible, which enhances the domestic supply chain and stimulates economic activity in Kazakhstan. This localization reduces costs and fosters community growth and development, reinforcing our commitment to the regions we serve," he said.
Boyet emphasized that the company’s investments are driving the modernization of Kazakhstan’s railways, a critical element for facilitating trade and transportation in Central Asia. "By enhancing the efficiency and reliability of rail networks, we contribute to reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity between regions. This, in turn, supports the economic growth of Kazakhstan and its neighboring countries, enabling them to compete more effectively in regional and international markets," he added.
Focus on innovation and sustainability
Alstom’s efforts also extend to technology transfer and the sharing of best practices. "Our initiatives promote technology transfer and further strengthen the rail infrastructure in Central Asia. Our focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with the strategic goals of the region to develop greener and more efficient transportation solutions," Boyet explained.
One key aspect of Alstom’s sustainability drive is its electric locomotives. "These locomotives deliver the lowest carbon footprint of all transport solutions available today. In fact, the Alstom locomotives currently in service in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan demonstrate exceptional environmental performance, achieving a remarkably low emission rate of just 7.0 gCO2/ton.km," Boyet said.
By focusing on environmentally friendly transport options, Alstom is supporting Central Asia’s transition to greener rail networks. "Our approach focuses on providing innovative technologies and environmentally friendly transport options that significantly reduce emissions. This commitment aligns with the global push for greener solutions and supports the goals of Central Asian countries to enhance their transportation infrastructure while minimizing their environmental impact," he added.
Partnership with Kazakhstan in rail modernization
"We are proud to highlight that Alstom has successfully exported 40 freight locomotives from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan," he said. This achievement underscores the growing importance of Kazakhstan's rail industry, with Alstom establishing itself as a key player in the country's railway modernization efforts. Boyet emphasized the strategic role Kazakhstan plays in Alstom’s regional operations. "The strategic importance of our operations in Kazakhstan cannot be overstated, as it is currently the largest rail market in Central Asia," he stated.
Kazakhstan serves as a critical hub for Alstom’s operations, allowing the company to manage and support projects across the wider Central Asian region. "Kazakhstan serves as our regional base, where a substantial portion of our activities take place. This location allows us to effectively manage and support our operations across the Central Asian region, leveraging local expertise and fostering strong partnerships," Boyet added.
The company’s commitment to the modernization and sustainable development of Kazakhstan's railway infrastructure aligns with the country’s broader vision for growth. "Our commitment to enhancing the country's railway infrastructure aligns with Kazakhstan's vision for modernization and sustainable development," said Boyet.
Alstom’s success in Kazakhstan is not only a testament to its manufacturing capabilities but also highlights the country’s importance as a pivotal rail transportation hub in the region. "This accomplishment showcases our manufacturing capabilities in the region and reinforces the significance of Kazakhstan as a pivotal hub for rail transportation in Central Asia," he remarked.
In addition to their operations in Kazakhstan, Alstom has invested in local facilities and forged strong partnerships with key stakeholders, further contributing to the advancement of the nation’s railway system. "Through our investments in local facilities and collaboration with key stakeholders, we are contributing to the advancement of Kazakhstan’s rail system and also reinforcing our position as a leader in the region’s transportation sector," the managing director concluded.
Advancing the connectivity of the Middle Corridor
Looking ahead, Alstom remains committed to supporting the growth and innovation of the railway industry across Central Asia. "We look forward to continuing our work in Central Asia and supporting the growth and innovation of its railway industry," Boyet said.
"Our presence in any region, including Central Asia, is directly linked to our operational needs and our commitment to meeting the requirements of our customers," Boyet noted. He emphasized that Alstom’s growth in Kazakhstan serves as a springboard for exploring opportunities in neighboring markets like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. "Any potential expansion into these territories would be driven by customer needs for support and infrastructure development. We are dedicated to fostering partnerships that create value and enhance the operational capabilities of the railway systems in the region".
Boyet outlined the company’s plans to support the development of the Middle Corridor, a key trade and transportation route connecting China and Europe.
"Our focus lies in supporting the development of the Middle Corridor, which is essential for facilitating trade and transportation between China and Europe," Boyet said.
To boost efficiency along this corridor, Alstom plans to implement modern signaling systems. "These advanced signaling technologies enable higher traffic volumes on the same lines, improving overall throughput and reliability. By optimizing rail traffic management, we contribute to more efficient operations and reduced delays," he explained.
Alstom also aims to introduce its energy-efficient electric locomotives, which are well-suited for transporting general freight and containerized goods. "Our locomotives are designed to consume less power, minimizing operational costs while aligning with the sustainability goals of modern transportation," the managing director noted.
By equipping the Middle Corridor with state-of-the-art technologies, Alstom seeks to build a more robust and environmentally friendly logistics network that supports economic development in Central Asia.
"We’re excited about the opportunities this corridor presents and remain dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance connectivity, ensuring that Kazakhstan continues to serve as a key transit point in the New Silk Road," Jerome Boyet concluded.