▪ Rhenus and Kyrgyz Railways signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to boost freight transport and logistics across Central Asia
▪ Focus on strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s transit role, developing logistics centers and attracting new cargo flows
▪ Development will strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate opportunities for trading between Greater China, Central Asia, and Europe
The Rhenus Group, a leading global logistics service provider, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Kyrgyz Temir Zholu, the National Railway Company of the Kyrgyz Republic. The agreement, signed during the German-Kyrgyz Economic Forum in Cholpon-Ata, aims to strengthen collaboration in freight transportation and jointly explore opportunities to develop multimodal logistics solutions across Central Asia. As a result of the agreement, Chinese companies will have a more efficient rail freight option to ship to Central Asia and Europe.
Joint initiative to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s transit role
The Memorandum outlines a shared commitment to optimize Kyrgyzstan’s transit potential and logistics centers by developing effective solutions to increase cargo flows via existing international multimodal transport routes and to create favorable conditions for transit, export, and import growth.
Rhenus will contribute its expertise in multimodal logistics, terminal development and rail freight to support the establishment of reliable and scalable transport solutions. The cooperation includes consulting and analytical work, as well as the exchange of know-how and employee training. The joint efforts aim to attract additional cargo flows to the region and to ensure the efficient handling of urgent and special shipments.
This partnership comes at a pivotal time as Kyrgyzstan, together with China and Uzbekistan, is advancing the construction of the railway linking the three countries. The new line will provide a direct connection into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, reducing the distance between China and Europe by several hundred kilometers compared to existing routes via Kazakhstan. Beyond improving connectivity, the project also opens new opportunities for cooperation in rail logistics and infrastructure development – areas where Rhenus can actively contribute its expertise to support the region’s integration into global trade networks.
The direct line though Kyrgyzstan will offer Chinese shippers a new rail freight alternative with significantly reduced transit time and reduce shipping risks.
Strategic step along the Trans-Caspian Corridor
“With this Memorandum, we are taking another decisive step in our mission along the Trans-Caspian Corridor. As a family-owned company with a long-term vision and international footprint, we believe in strong partnerships and early investment in regions that are redefining their role in global logistics. Together with the national railway, we are committed to supporting the development of future-oriented logistics infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan and contributing to a more connected and resilient logistics landscape in Central Asia,” said Heinrich Kerstgens, Director of Board Projects, Rhenus Group.
“The agreement is a strategic milestone to strengthen supply chain resilience and open up major business opportunities for Chinese shippers and logistics companies trading with Europe and Central Asia. Beyond the rail freight, we believe that this will also contribute towards the growth of western China’s logistics hubs, such as Kashgar and Urumqi,” said Carol Kong, Head of Rail / Land-bridge, Rhenus Greater China.
The agreement directly supports the Rhenus Group’s strategy to strengthen its footprint along the Trans-Caspian Corridor by developing integrated logistics solutions tailored to local needs.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
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