Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov. 20
Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
A joint meeting on the further development of water transport between representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kazakhstan and entrepreneurs was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Transport and Communications of Kazakhstan Askar Zhumagaliev, the ministry's press service reported on Nov.19.
"The meeting discussed the development of port and service infrastructure, merchant marine issues and ensuring the safety of navigation. In particular, currently there is a project being implemented at Aktau port to expand its capacity. The project envisages construction of dry-cargo terminals," the ministry said.
In addition, measures are being taken to replenish the national merchant marine service and increase its competitiveness. It was noted that in the current year amendments were made to the legislative acts that exempt shipping companies from payment of import customs duties and tax on transport subject to their registration in the International Register of Shipping.
Particular attention is given to enhancing the safety of navigation in the Caspian Sea and inland waterways. The Minister gave instructions to speedily adopt measures to establish a Port Authority whose main task will be to act as state port control in accordance with international requirements.
Currently Kazakhstan is party to 12 international conventions and work is underway to accede to 10 more conventions and amendments, as well as the implementation of the provisions of these conventions into national legislation.
As for the development of human resources in maritime transport, since 2012 in Kazakhstan Maritime Academy opened at the Kazakh-British Technical University which will prepare world class seafarers. Along with the development of the educational process, work is being carried out to bring the system of training of seafarers in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers of the International Maritime Organisation.
For the development of river transport in cooperation with local authorities, measures will be taken to restore the coastal infrastructure. Issues will be considered for involving river transport to transport socially important goods and inert materials for road construction. Work will continue with private ship-owners for addressing problems in the industry.
In general the issues raised during the meeting were included in a draft state programme for the development and integration of the infrastructure of the transport system by 2020.
At the end of the meeting the minister offered to gather quarterly to discuss issues of water transport and to analyse the implementation of decisions already taken.