Research on Kazakhstan's Multimodal Logistics System: Competitiveness and Shortcomings in the Eurasian Corridor

Introduction

Against the backdrop of deep adjustments in the global trade landscape, multimodal logistics corridors across the Eurasian continent are undergoing a new round of competition and restructuring. A study recently published in *Frontiers in Future Transportation* examines Kazakhstan's position within this system, using cross-national comparisons and firm-level evidence to analyze the competitiveness and constraints of its multimodal logistics system.

Research Overview

The study was jointly completed by scholars from several Kazakhstani universities and adopted a mixed methodology: first, it compared the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and its six sub-indicators; second, it conducted a time-series analysis of performance changes in Kazakhstan and China from 2007 to 2023; third, it carried out an operational diagnostic using Globalink Logistics as a case study; and finally, it evaluated the timeliness and feasibility of different corridors through multimodal route simulations.

Key Findings: An Intermediate Position and Structural Shortcomings

The results show that Kazakhstan occupies an intermediate position in the Eurasian logistics system: its performance surpasses that of some Central Asian countries, but it lags noticeably behind China and Turkey on key indicators such as infrastructure quality, logistics professional capacity, cargo tracking, and customs efficiency. This suggests that although Kazakhstan possesses a natural geographic advantage for transit, institutional and service-level shortcomings are eroding the competitiveness of its corridors.

The study further points out that the competitiveness of multimodal transport corridors is not determined entirely by geographic location. Infrastructure quality, service reliability, node connectivity, digitalization levels, inter-institutional coordination, and the seamless integration of transport modes all have a significant impact on overall efficiency.

Supply Chain Implications: Rising Transit Volumes Alongside Efficiency Bottlenecks

The study cites data showing that from 2022 to 2023, transit freight volumes through Kazakhstan exceeded 30 million tons, with rail transport accounting for the dominant share. This indicates that within the multimodal transport chain, rail remains an important carrier for China–Europe trade. However, efficiency bottlenecks persist: customs clearance times, the complexity of cross-border procedures, and insufficient cargo tracking capabilities may offset the advantages of geographic distance.

For shippers and logistics companies that rely on the Eurasian trade corridor, these shortcomings imply higher time costs and greater uncertainty. Especially at a juncture when international trade flows are being restructured, the reliability of a corridor receives more attention than mere distance.

Regional Impact: Changing Competition Patterns in the Central Asian Corridor

The study provides a reference point for observing the logistics landscape in Central Asia. As a regional logistics hub, Kazakhstan's performance level directly affects trade facilitation in neighboring countries. Compared with China's rapid progress, Kazakhstan's gap in digitalization and logistics service capacity may affect its long-term share of the China–Europe trade corridor.

The study also shows that Turkey leads in logistics performance, offering a benchmark for Kazakhstan. This gap highlights the potential for efficiency improvements in Central Asian countries relative to leading economies, and it also demonstrates that the coordinated development of logistics policy and infrastructure is crucial to corridor competitiveness.## 行业观点：企业层面的运营挑战

Industry Perspective: Operational Challenges at the Enterprise Level

研究通过对Globalink Logistics的问卷调查和运营绩效计算，揭示了企业内部在运营效率、风险管理和流程协调方面的潜在改进空间。尽管具体答复内容未在公开版本中详细列出，但研究提供了微观层面的运营诊断。这些企业层面的观察表明，物流能力的提升需要自上而下的政策支撑和自下而上的企业创新相结合。

The study, through a questionnaire survey of Globalink Logistics and operational performance calculations, reveals potential room for improvement within enterprises in operational efficiency, risk management, and process coordination. Although the specific response content is not detailed in the public version, the study provides a micro-level operational diagnosis. These enterprise-level observations indicate that improving logistics capacity requires a combination of top-down policy support and bottom-up enterprise innovation.

未来展望：综合改革路径

Future Outlook: A Comprehensive Reform Path

研究建议，哈萨克斯坦应从四方面入手强化其物流枢纽地位：一是持续投资交通基础设施现代化，尤其是铁路和内陆港；二是推进海关流程改革，缩短跨境时间；三是部署数字化货物追踪系统，提高供应链可视性；四是加强物流节点、运营商和政府部门之间的协调，形成制度化的合作机制。

The study recommends that Kazakhstan strengthen its logistics hub position from four aspects: first, continue investing in the modernization of transportation infrastructure, especially railways and inland ports; second, advance customs process reforms to shorten cross-border time; third, deploy digital cargo tracking systems to improve supply chain visibility; fourth, strengthen coordination among logistics nodes, operators, and government departments to form an institutionalized cooperation mechanism.

这些措施若能得到落实，将有助于哈萨克斯坦从“过境通道”升级为“物流服务供给者”，进而提升其在欧亚供应链中的附加值。

If these measures can be implemented, they will help Kazakhstan upgrade from a "transit corridor" to a "logistics service provider," thereby enhancing its added value in the Eurasian supply chain.

结论

Conclusion

这项研究为理解中亚多式物流系统的现状与潜力提供了最新实证。在当前全球供应链重构和区域竞争加剧的大环境下，哈萨克斯坦的物流绩效不仅是该国经济竞争力的体现，更是欧亚贸易走廊整体效率的重要变量。未来，能否通过系统性改革弥补结构性短板，将决定其能否真正兑现地理禀赋带来的红利。

This study provides the latest empirical evidence for understanding the current status and potential of the Central Asian multimodal logistics system. In the current context of global supply chain restructuring and intensifying regional competition, Kazakhstan's logistics performance is not only a reflection of the country's economic competitiveness but also an important variable in the overall efficiency of the Eurasian trade corridor. In the future, whether systemic reforms can make up for structural shortcomings will determine whether it can truly realize the dividends brought by its geographical endowment.

参考来源：https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/future-transportation/articles/10.3389/ffutr.2026.1859914/full

Reference source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/future-transportation/articles/10.3389/ffutr.2026.1859914/full