Astana, Kazakhstan, April 30
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakhstan exported 272,000 tonnes of metal and 221,000 tonnes of grain to Iran from the Aktau port in Q1 of 2014, which 20 percent exceeds the same period of last year, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport and Communications.
"The volume of transport through Aktau port reached 2.8 million tonnes during the reported period, the report said.
As part of expanding the Aktau port in the northern direction on the basis of public-private partnership the work is being carried out to attract foreign investment for the construction of three dry cargo terminals through a joint venture.
In particular, the Kazakh Ministry of Transport and Communications and IPD company have already signed a memorandum of understanding in this regard. The basic conditions of the joint venture have been determined and the founder's agreement has been signed.
At present, the share of Aktau port in the total turnover of the Caspian Sea is about 30 percent. It is expected that as a result of expansion, port`s capacity will be increased to 20.5 million tonnes per year. The completion of the project is scheduled for 2015.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by S.I.