DP World signs MoU with Kazakhstan for multimodal transport corridor

Jun 16, 2017: DP world and Kazakhstan government have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) first for the development of a Port Community System (PCS) and the second to integrate customs processes ahead of the Astana Economic Forum.

PCS is a one-stop electronic platform developed by DP World company Dubai Trade, that enables the exchange of information between organisations involved in maritime, inland and airport processes. The goal is to improve ease of doing business in Kazakhstan’s ports and free zones through paperless in administrative offices, delays and duplication.

The first agreement was signed between DP World and the National Company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ) for the establishment of a joint venture company to implement and manage the PCS system with the aim of creating a multimodal transport corridor (the Eurasian Transcontinental Corridor), featuring automated logistics processes for cargo delivery and the unification of logistics centers, sea and dry ports into a single transport and logistics network.

The second MoU was signed between DP World, KTZ and the Committee of State Revenues of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Customs) to ensure the integration of customs processes into the online portal.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “Our experience in Dubai and in the 40 countries where we operate globally has taught us that integrating services makes trade faster, safer and more efficient for our stakeholders attracting investment and helping business. That’s why these announcements today are important for Kazakhstan, providing smart trade solutions for the country and to increase efficiencies for business.

Kazakhstan has tremendous potential and its leadership is working hard for its people – putting in place the right policies and procedures. It is at the crossroads of Asia and although landlocked President Nazarbayev’s commitment to improving internal and external connectivity to avoid the ‘transportation trap’ will propel growth. We are proud to be working with the government to build one of the largest transport and logistics hubs in the region.”

Earlier this year, DP World also announced its involvement in the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Aktau to boost trade and logistics in the country. It builds on DP World’s management advisory services contract with the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea. The company also provides advisory services under a separate contract with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan’s national railway company, for the development of the Khorgos SEZ and Inland Container Depot.