Possible scenarios for the region’s development
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has initiated discussions on establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within the country’s airports. During a meeting involving representatives of regional administrations and aviation enterprises, key directions for this initiative were outlined, according to the ministry’s press service.
The Ministry of Transport has prioritized the creation of SEZs in major aviation hubs, including Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Aktobe, and Karaganda. Simultaneously, opportunities for introducing a special economic regime in regional airports are being evaluated, as this could serve as a driver for local development.
The establishment of SEZs in airports is viewed as a crucial step toward boosting cargo transportation and enhancing the attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s transport hubs. This approach has proven successful globally, with notable examples in airports such as Dubai, Singapore, Shannon, and Riyadh.
Currently, Kazakhstan has SEZs operating in 12 regions. Expanding this list to include airport territories would be a logical step in stimulating economic activity and attracting international partners.
Creating SEZs in airports is not just an investment in transport infrastructure but also a step toward strengthening Kazakhstan’s global role in international logistics chains. The Ministry of Transport continues to work on the details of this project, which promises to become one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth.
