German Logistics Firm and Caspian Port Advance Middle Corridor Terminal Plans
German logistics firm Rhenus Group and the Aktau International Sea Trade Port have advanced plans to develop a new multimodal container terminal during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Germany, The Astana Times reported. Spanning a minimum of 30 hectares, the future terminal will link road, rail, and maritime networks to generate at least 150,000 TEU of extra yearly handling capacity at the Caspian port.
Rhenus already operates across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. The company aims to integrate the new terminal into a wider logistics network connecting China and Central Asia with Europe via the Middle Corridor. The project also supports the development of the route under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.
Kazakhstan and Belgium Explore Direct Port Links
Multimodal logistics, smart-port technologies, port digitalisation, decarbonisation, and training programs for Kazakh specialists were reviewed by Roman Vassilenko, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium, alongside port officials.
The two sides also considered using Antwerp as a European distribution hub for Kazakh metals, critical raw materials, petrochemicals, and agricultural products. They discussed establishing a future framework agreement connecting Antwerp-Bruges with Aktau and Kuryk.
SOCAR Caps Italian Fuel Prices and Deepens German Energy Ties
In Germany, SOCAR signed new agreements with energy companies SEFE and VNG. Grounded in a 10-year accord for SOCAR to supply up to 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas annually to SEFE in Europe, the partnership with state-owned SEFE addresses natural gas and LNG supplies, upstream investment, energy infrastructure, and energy security. A separate Strategic Cooperation Agreement with VNG covers natural gas, infrastructure, the energy transition, and hydrogen.
Astana Hosts Central Asia-Italy Business Forum
The inaugural Central Asia-Italy business forum took place on September 18 in Astana, Kazakhstan, Trend reported. Italy, already Kazakhstan’s third-largest trading partner, aims to expand ties across Central Asia. Trade turnover between Italy and Kazakhstan reached almost $17 billion in 2025, dominated by crude petroleum exports from Kazakhstan.
Coventry University Expands Astana Campus
According to a report by The Times of Central Asia, Coventry University Kazakhstan is growing its footprint in Astana with brand-new facilities as British higher education institutions enhance their footprint in the nation. Enrolments have grown from 95 upon the institution’s 2024 launch to in excess of 850, drawing interest from applicants throughout neighbouring Central Asian nations. Lord John Alderdice, the UK Trade Envoy to Central Asia and Azerbaijan, took part in a cornerstone-laying ceremony accompanied by Sayasat Nurbek, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Alibek Bakayev, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UK.
The expansion is part of growing UK-Kazakhstan education ties, which include partnerships involving Cardiff, De Montfort, and Heriot-Watt universities, supported by the new UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Separately, Lord Alderdice met Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev in Bishkek to discuss expanding bilateral economic and investment ties, Open.kg reported.
UK and Azerbaijan Advance Defence and Trade Cooperation
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia visited Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam on October 2 to observe reconstruction, demining operations, and development in areas affected by the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, AZERTAC reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Corridor and Caspian Logistics Developments
How much handling capacity will the new Rhenus terminal add in Aktau?
The planned multimodal container terminal will cover at least 30 hectares and provide at least 150,000 TEU of additional annual handling capacity at the Caspian port, according to The Astana Times.
What fuel price caps did SOCAR establish in Italy?
Through its subsidiary Italiana Petroli, SOCAR agreed to match Eni’s maximum prices of €2.19 per litre for diesel and €1.99 per petrol across its network of Italian service stations, Reuters reported.
What projected impact does the World Bank outline for the Middle Corridor by 2040?
A World Bank Group report estimates that coordinated infrastructure investment, digitalisation, and streamlined border procedures could increase freight volumes by 3.6 times, reduce travel times by two-thirds, and raise GDP across corridor countries by 3.3 percent by 2040, as reported by Georgia Today.
How much did trade turnover between Italy and Kazakhstan reach in 2025?
Trade turnover between Italy and Kazakhstan reached almost $17 billion in 2025, with crude petroleum exports making up the overwhelming majority, according to Trend.