Astana, Kazakhstan, April 28
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
The construction of Kazakhstan's terminal at the Chinese port of Lianyungang will begin in May 2014, Asset Asavbaev, Chairman of the Transport Control Committee of the country's Ministry of Transport and Communications, said at a press conference in Astana on April 25.
"The head of state is expected to visit China in May 2014. This visit will mark the beginning of the terminal's construction at the port of Lianyungang," the committee chairman said.
Asavbaev went on to add that this project is implemented by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Company JSC jointly with the Lianyungang port company.
"The Chinese port of Lianyungang has been chosen for its geostrategic location in terms of transportation of export and transit cargo to Europe as well," the committee chairman said.
Asavbaev pointed out that by constructing the terminal at the port of Lianyungang, Kazakhstan will get the opportunity to process and handle the country's transit cargoes from the South-East Asian countries, Australia and Canada.
Kazakhstan plans to own some 49 percent share and China expects to get 51 percent share in the joint venture of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC and Lianyungang port company, according to the committee head.
"But other private transport companies may also get shares in his joint venture," Asavbaev said.
Lianyungang is one of 25 largest ports in the world.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.