Yritysdelegaatio Aktaun satamassa. Kuva: Tarja Teittinen.
Finnish companies visited the focal point of the Middle Corridor in Kazakhstan
The Mangistau region of Kazakhstan, particularly the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, are a crucial link in the developing transport route.
Efforts to develop the Trans-Caspian transport route, also known as the Middle Corridor, have not gone unnoticed by companies operating in the Central Asian and South Caucasian markets. Investments are now being made on both sides of the Caspian Sea in the route that combines road, rail, and sea logistics between Europe and Asia.
In Kazakhstan, one of the focal points is the Mangistau region, especially the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. About ten Finnish companies visited the region in April as part of the Team Finland visit led by Ambassador Janne Heiskanen, organized by EastCham and the Finnish Embassy in Astana.
The Finnish companies visiting the harbour of Kuryk. Photo: Tarja Teittinen.
The visit included, among others, the two mentioned ports and the KazAzot chemical plant. The companies met representatives from the local administration as well as potential partners from the ports, maritime industry, and water treatment companies.
– Both ports have ambitious expansion plans, and we see opportunities for Finnish companies to offer their technology. The challenge for the ports is the declining water level of the Caspian Sea, which limits the size of vessels, says EastCham’s service director Tarja Teittinen.
“We see opportunities for Finnish companies to offer their technology.”
According to Konecranes’ sales director Pavel Mikhailov, the port visit was the best part of the trip. Overall, Mikhailov sees opportunities in the Mangistau region to supply lifting equipment and services to ports, the oil and gas industry, refineries, energy and infrastructure projects, and the service sector.
– The trip was successful and full of meetings with potential customers. We received several new inquiries about port equipment, Mikhailov tells EastCham.
“The trip was successful and full of meetings with potential customers.”
With investments in the Mangistau region, along the Middle Corridor, a lot of new industry is developing – much more than just logistics. Investments are currently being made in areas such as fertilizer production and fisheries. KazAzot is working on a billion-dollar ammonia plant investment.
The Finnish companies visiting KazAzot. Photo: Tarja Teittinen.
EastCham and the companies participating in the trip agreed on next steps with local companies in many promising matters. Altyn Shakirkhanova, the head of EastCham’s Almaty office, who did a lot of groundwork in preparing the trip, continues to support the companies even after the trip.
– Many are likely to return to Aktau soon, Teittinen predicts.
Round Table meeting with local companies. Photo: Tarja Teittinen.