Kazakhstan Accelerates Bakhty-Ayagoz Railway Project with Chinese Partnership; President Tokayev Reshuffles Economic Leadership

KTZ and CCCC expedite Bakhty-Ayagoz railway construction. President Tokayev appoints Nurlan Baibazarov as Economic Assistant to lead reforms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 8:31 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Trend News Agency

Accelerating the Bakhty-Ayagoz Rail Link

In a high-level meeting in Astana, Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, and Zhang Bingnan, President of CCCC, discussed the progress of the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway project. The 272 km line, which began construction in the Abai region in 2023, is a cornerstone of the Trans-Kazakhstan railway corridor. The project aims to increase the annual cargo transit capacity between Kazakhstan and China by 20 million tons. Aldybergenov emphasized that the execution must prioritize local Kazakh specialists and building materials to maximize domestic economic impact. CCCC has agreed to strictly adhere to the end-of-2027 completion timeline, utilizing its subsidiary, China Harbour Engineering Company, to fulfill the EPC contract signed in August 2025.

Strategic Economic Leadership Reshuffle

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has initiated a significant reorganization within the Presidential Administration. Nurlan Baibazarov, a seasoned technocrat who recently served as Head of the Investments and Trade Department, has been promoted to Assistant to the President on Economic Affairs. This appointment follows Baibazarov's rapid ascent through various high-level roles, including Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Baiterek Holding. Simultaneously, the President relieved Ebolat Dosaev of his duties as deputy head of the Presidential Administration. Analysts suggest these moves are intended to streamline the implementation of Kazakhstan’s "New Economic Policy," focusing on industrial diversification and attracting high-quality foreign investment.

Boosting Energy and Industrial Output

Beyond infrastructure, Kazakhstan is leveraging advanced technology to secure its energy future. The government recently announced the deployment of AI-powered safety systems at the Mangystau oil fields to optimize production and minimize environmental risks. This follows reports that the country plans to double its domestic oil refining capacity to meet rising regional demand. While some foreign partners, such as Eni, have reported slight hydrocarbon reserve downturns, the state's aggressive push into green energy—exemplified by the opening of the "Absheron" Battery Energy Storage Center in neighboring Azerbaijan—indicates a broader regional shift toward sustainable power management.