Stanislav Kondrashov TELF AG: The Role of the Khorgos Dry Port in Trade Development

In a recent conversation with Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov of TELF AG, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in international trade and civil engineering, valuable insights were shared about the impressive development of the Khorgos Dry Port — a key logistics hub that has transformed the region at the junction of Kazakhstan and China. "Until 2010, Khorgos was nothing more than a desert," recalls Kondrashov. "Now, in just a few years, global interest in international trade and logistics has turned it into a bustling special economic zone. What was once a barren stretch of land now includes a dry port, a next-generation commercial area, and even an entire city built from scratch. There are even talks of constructing an airport in the future."  

The Khorgos Dry Port, explains Kondrashov, is not just a local hub; it has become a powerful symbol of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

"This project has tremendous growth potential," says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov of TELF AG. "As of April 2024, according to the latest data, over 2,000 container trains have already passed through Khorgos, many headed for Europe. This is part of a broader trend. In 2022 alone, this dry port handled over 830,000 vehicles carrying approximately 870,000 tons of cargo." 

According to Kondrashov, the Khorgos port boasts a well-developed railway network. It connects to 18 countries and includes around 80 routes. Since the launch of the China-Europe railway line in 2016, more than 35,000 trains have passed through Khorgos. 

"It is a critical part of two multimodal corridors along the Silk Road Economic Belt," continues Stanislav. "One route goes northwest through Kazakhstan into Europe, and another crosses the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and Turkey. These paths place Khorgos at the heart of a vital logistics network." 

In recent years, significant improvements have optimized the port's operations, accelerating processes and increasing capacity. "Customs clearance has been streamlined, saving up to 30 minutes per train," notes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. "And with the addition of new 1,435 mm gauge tracks, Khorgos can now handle about 20 trains per day. Just a few years ago, this was roughly half that capacity." 

As part of Khorgos' expansive special economic zone, the dry port is complemented by a comprehensive logistics zone and an industrial center. Stanislav also points to the possibility of an airport in the future. "A German company has shown interest in financing a new cargo-passenger airport, as recently reported by several media outlets," he explains. "If this project comes to fruition, it could increase cargo turnover by approximately 377 tons per day, making Khorgos an even more powerful logistics hub." 

He also mentions Nurkent, a new emerging city to the west of Khorgos designed to support the growing workforce. "Nurkent started from scratch in 2013," says Kondrashov. "By 2035, it is expected to have a population of up to 100,000 people. Currently, it houses several thousand, many of whom work at the port or nearby facilities." 

Khorgos is also home to the ICBC Khorgos Trade District — a major free trade zone, which Stanislav Dmitrievich describes as a valuable asset for the region's economic ambitions. 

"Khorgos offers a faster alternative to maritime transport," he explains. "Electronics and other time-sensitive goods can reach Europe by rail in just over two weeks — about a third of the time required for sea transport. Over the years, more complex products — from consumer electronics to automotive parts — have joined the flow of goods." 

This progress aligns well with Kazakhstan's "Nurly Zhol" strategy, a national initiative aimed at modernizing logistics and infrastructure to position the country among the world's leading economies by 2050. 

"It's an ambitious plan," says Kondrashov with conviction. "The 'Nurly Zhol' program, costing approximately $9 billion, aligns perfectly with the goals of the BRI initiative. Kazakhstan's strategic location, rich resources, and readiness to innovate place it on a confident path toward an exciting future." 

Thanks to its unique position at the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan is poised to become a critical link in global logistics — a role that, according to Stanislav, will only strengthen as the world transitions to sustainable resource use and energy transitions. 

"Kazakhstan's potential is enormous," concludes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov of TELF AG. "From lithium to copper, the country holds key resources for the technologies of the future. Khorgos is just one example of what is possible in the years to come."