(KAZINFORM) - In the year of 2005 commodity turnover between Astrakhan oblast, Russia, and near-border regions of Kazakhstan increased by 40 %.This year the given index should make 65%, the Astrakhan oblast governor Alexander Zhilkin told at the near-border regions' forum in Uralsk.
Astrakhan oblast borders on East Kazakhstan, Atyrau and Mangystau oblasts of Kazakhstan. The governor emphasized great potentials for further extension of mutual benefit cooperation, reports Trend.
Zhilkin cited as an example construction of a bridge over the boundary river Kigach due to the task, set by the Russian and Kazakh leaders. It is planned to put the bridge into commission next autumn to triple freight traffic activity en route Astrakhan-Atyrau.