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Kazakhstan to complete investigation into deaths of servicemen during Caspian Sea exercises soon

Adif president follows Puente out: what’s left of Spain’s freight agenda?

Adif president Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña has resigned, a day after Transport Minister Óscar Puente quit over the deadly Urda high-speed crash. With Spain’s rail leadership upended just weeks before the 29 November snap election, what does the shake-up mean for freight, from Adif’s new 2026–2030 funding deal to the R…

Kazakhstan, Jordan Focus on Security, Trade and Regional Stability

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Jordan discussed regional and global security challenges, as well as ways to expand bilateral cooperation during talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein in Astana on No…

Narxoz Conference Explores Central Asia’s Path to Stronger Regional Cooperation

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Central Asia’s role in shaping global governance, strengthening regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development was the focus of an international conference hosted by Narxoz University on Nov. 4 in Almaty, the univ…

One-day French national strike to disrupt rail freight

A one-day general strike in France today over the rising cost of living is expected to bring some disruption to rail freight, according to one major operator. The strike is expected to be particularly widespread across the French rail network and also highly-localised in certain areas such as the Greater Paris region,…

Kazakh Prosecutor General Keeps Mangystau Military Investigation Under Oversight

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – More than 300 people have been questioned and over 30 forensic examinations and expert studies have been conducted as part of an investigation into the deaths of servicemen during a military exercise in the Mangystau Region, …

Combined transport in Europe back in decline in Q3

Combined transport (CT) volumes in Europe fell by 1.23% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to UIRR. After a brief stabilisation in the spring, the sector is back in negative territory, and its members now expect a negative business climate for the next 12 months. UIRR said in…

Freight volume collapses by 36%: Ukrainian Railways set for more severe loss in 2026

National rail operator Ukrainian Railways (UZ) could end 2026 with a net loss of up to 18 billion hryvnia (about €355 million). Despite more optimistic forecasts in summer, a sharp fall in freight volumes has led to a deterioration in UZ’s business. In summer, UZ still expected a net loss of 10 to 12 billion hryvnia (…

Kazakhstan Advances in Global Digital Rankings as AI Infrastructure Expands

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan has improved its standing in several international digital development rankings, with progress in artificial intelligence readiness and e-government services highlighting the country’s growing role in the global te…

Tokayev signs law on opening customs service offices of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

IFC Invests $ 33 Million to Modernize Agricultural Services in Central Asia

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Eurasia Group has secured $33 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to expand agricultural machinery distribution, maintenance and farmer training networks in…

Kazakhstan Strengthens Export Push with New Istanbul Trade Office

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan has opened a QazTrade office in Istanbul to help domestic manufacturers enter the Turkish market and find business partners in other countries, Kazinform reported on Nov. 4. A new Qaztrade office is located in Ista…

Kazakhstan Proposes UN Cybercrime Center in Astana

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan has proposed establishing a United Nations regional center to combat cybercrime in Astana, as representatives from 27 countries and international organizations gathered in the capital on Nov. 4-5 to discuss cross-b…

Beyond Memorandums: How Cyberport and Central Asia Are Building Startup Bridge

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Cyberport is looking to deepen its ties with Central Asia as technology hubs in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan seek to connect their startup ecosystems with international markets, investors and partners. In two sepa…

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry Reviews Plan to Promote President’s Address Abroad

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry held a collegium meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi to discuss the implementation of priorities outlined in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address, the …

Kazakhstan Prepares for High-Level Diplomatic Week with International Leaders

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – King of Jordan Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on Nov. 5-6 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Aibek Smadiyarov, the president’s press secretary, announced on his Telegram…

Kyrgyzstan secures up to $50 million from World Bank for clean energy transition

UK Transport Minister shows faith in rail freight private sector

“I was told in parliament the other day that the rail freight companies are, quote, ‘not in the most organised shape to drive growth’ – and I disagree”, the UK Minister of Transport Peter Hendy said. At the unveiling of Freightliner’s new logo and loco, Hendy underlined the importance of private players and the need f…

Kazakhstan Calls for Stronger Implementation of Humanitarian Law at Geneva Dialogue

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan has called for stronger national mechanisms to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL), stressing that efforts to protect civilians must begin long before armed conflicts break out. Kazakhstan h…

German operators demand corridor detour costs be covered in DB funding deal

Germany’s rail freight operators are demanding federal compensation for diversions forced by the Generalsanierung corridor renovation programme, which they estimate will cost more than €100 million this year. Their association Die Güterbahnen wants around €15 per train-km and penalties for DB InfraGO’s overruns paid t…

Kazakhstan Plans National Laboratory for Critical Materials as Manufacturing Sector Expands

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to establish a National Laboratory for Critical Materials in Astana as part of efforts to develop its mineral resources, strengthen geological exploration and reduce reliance on imports, First Deputy Prime Mi…

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan launch new railway line, first coal train dispatched in October

Tokayev Meets Network School Founder, Welcomes Launch of Kazakhstan Branch

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School, to discuss cooperation in technology, education and innovation, reported the presidential press service on Nov. 4. From L to R: Balaji Sri…

Kazakhstan and China Build Digital Bridge for Data Economy

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Access to reliable data gives businesses a competitive advantage when they develop AI tools, build digital services or enter new markets. Kazakhstan and China are working to make that resource easier to use securely across borders. Ch…

Sweden chooses cheapest route for Norrbothnia Line

Swedish transport administrator Trafikverket has picked the cheapest alternative improve traffic along the Norrbothnia Line, a missing link along the TEN-T Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor. The decision follows an order from the government to rein in costs on the line’s unbuilt northern section. The Swedish transpo…

Kazakhstan Eyes 2035 Completion for First Two Nuclear Power Plants

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan expects its first two nuclear power plants to be completed by 2035, with construction of the Balkhash plant involving a Russian-led consortium headed by Rosatom and negotiations underway with China National Nuclear…

Bulgaria unveils plan to put more grain on rail

The Bulgarian government is looking to put more grain on freight trains amid worries concerning the recent attack on Black Sea ports. Around five million tonnes of Bulgarian wheat risk remaining unsold, with vessels refusing to use the countries’ ports to avoid risk of being bombed. Sofia’s ministries of transport and…

Kazakhstan to Complete Construction of Three New Airports by End of 2026

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to complete construction of three new airports in Zaisan, Katon-Karagai and Kenderli by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to expand the country’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen its transit potential,…

Created for fuel, Türkiye’s first private rail freight operator broadens its horizons

Türkiye is not exactly known for having a bustling and thriving rail freight industry. Regardless, its rail sector seems to be on a modest growth trajectory with major infrastructure projects and a recently liberalised market. RailFreight.com spoke with the country’s first private operator, Körfez Ulaştırma, about its…

Tokayev’s ‘Build! Once Again – Build!’ Initiative Takes Shape Across Kazakhstan With $14.3 Billion Plan

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is preparing for a nationwide construction drive that will direct nearly 6.5 trillion tenge (US$14.3 billion) toward infrastructure development through 2029, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls for a new phase…