DP World has signed two framework agreements in Abu Dhabi today with the government of Kazakhstan relating to the acquisition, governance and management of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Aktau and Khorgos.
DP World has been providing management services to the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal, and Khorgos SEZ, located on the China-Kazakhstan border and has been acting as the primary transit point for trans-Eurasian cargo trains for over four years.
DP World are set to acquire a 51% stake in the Khorgos SEZ and 49% in the Aktau SEZ, to play an important role in enhancing trade connectivity along the New Silk Route – handling a range of cargo types including hydrocarbons, containers and bulk.
The agreements were signed by Group Chairman and CEO of DP World Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, President of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Kanat Alpysbayev, and Governor of the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan Yeraly Tugzhanov.
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Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: “Kazakhstan is an important link in the New Silk Route and in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Focusing on soft and hard infrastructure development that supports multimodal transport links will be key in realising its potential as a transit corridor as well as boosting its own economy.
Our experience in 40 countries and across the global supply chain shows that ports and economic zones working together and employing smart technology to integrate processes are key to enabling trade for local businesses and regional economies.”
