Kazakhstan’s transit potential was presented at a workshop in South Korea. Kazakh officials have demonstrated the advantages of transiting through Kazakhstan and the privileges of Kazakhstan’s special economic zone “Khorgos – Eastern gate” at the border with China. It is the shortest route from Korea to Europe. Cargo from South Korean ports is delivered by sea to Kazakhstan’s terminal at the Chinese port of Lianyungang. Then it is transported to Khorgos by railroad and on to the European markets. This route takes about twenty days. The sea route is three times longer.

ZHASLAN NURTAZIN, REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE, SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE ‘KHORGOS – EASTERN GATE’:
- The Lianyungang port and Cosco shipping own shares in the special economic zone “Khorgos – Eastern Gate” and Kazakhstan’s KTZ Express owns 49% of Lianyungang port. We can influence transit fees in Lianyungang. That’s why KTZ Express can give guarantees.

There are nineteen participants in the special economic zone including several foreign companies and South Korean investors can also take part in it in the future. South Korean companies were offered to build factories at the territory of the special economic zone and to get involved in the construction of residential areas in the new city of Nurkent next to the special economic zone.

OLZHAS RAYEV, SPECIAL COUNSELLOR, KAZAKH EMBASSY IN SOUTH KOREA:
- Now there is a demand for residential areas. People will buy residential property on a seven percent credit for 25 years. It is going to have a good effect.

SIM JAE BOK, COMPANY PRESIDENT, SOUTH KOREA:
- We want to work with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan through Kazakhstan. If the issues of high costs on land transportation and delays in delivery times are solved, then, I think, the Central Asian market will become one of the priority areas.

A South Korean company plans to build a cosmetics factory at “Khorgos – Eastern gate”. Also, officials of the “Incheon” and “Khorgos – Eastern gate” special economic zones agreed to cooperate in construction works in the city of Nurkent.