This is a significant development for regional trade, marking the beginning of a new, efficient multimodal transport route for Kazakh grain exports to Southeast Asia.
A landmark moment in Central Asian and Southeast Asian trade unfolded today as the first transit container train laden with Kazakh wheat pulled into the Chinese port of Lianyungang. This successful arrival signifies the operational launch of a crucial new multimodal route, facilitating the export of Kazakh agricultural products to Vietnam. This initial train is one of eight planned shipments by Kazakhstan’s Food Corporation.
The train comprises of 62 containers and is carrying a substantial 1,700 tons of wheat. Upon arrival in Lianyungang, the wheat is slated for seamless transshipment onto sea vessels, with its ultimate destination being the Vietnamese port of Haiphong.
A key factor contributing to the efficiency of this new route is the innovative "one container – one service" principle employed at the Lianyungang logistics base. This system, highlighted by Chinese media, ensures that the grain remains within the same container from its point of origin in Kazakhstan to its final destination in Vietnam, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming reloads. This streamlined approach was evident in the remarkably swift transition from rail to seaport, which reportedly took a mere one hour. Furthermore, the Kazakh wheat benefited from a "green corridor" initiative, accelerating all necessary processing procedures and significantly boosting cargo clearance efficiency at the port by 70%.
Ge Hengxue, General Director of the China-Kazakhstan Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, emphasized the transformative impact of this model. "The 'one container from start to finish' model provided Kazakh exports destined for Southeast Asia with higher-quality and more efficient land-sea intermodal transport services," Hengxue stated, as quoted by Chinese media. He further highlighted the robust support received from various authorities, including customs, maritime, and railway sectors, which was instrumental in establishing the "green corridor" and enhancing port operations.
The first batch of grain originated from grain-receiving enterprises in Kazakhstan's Akmola region, renowned for its agricultural output. The Food Corporation has outlined ambitious plans to export approximately 15,000 tons of Kazakh food-grade wheat to Vietnam through this new route, signaling a long-term commitment to this trade corridor.
This development is part of a broader export strategy by the Food Corporation, which has already shipped 196,000 tons of grain for export since the beginning of the year.7 The largest consignments during this period have been directed to key importing regions such as North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Iran, demonstrating Kazakhstan's growing presence in global grain markets. The successful arrival of this first train underscores the increasing efficiency and strategic importance of the China-Kazakhstan logistics partnership in facilitating international trade.
