A 6 October assessment by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration described five cross-border trade and logistics hubs as moving from planning toward implementation. The ministry says the network is intended to strengthen links with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, China and the Caspian region, ease logistics procedures for businesses and contribute to a 30% share for non-commodity exports. The release brings together projects at different stages; it does not say that the target has already been reached.

The most visible progress is at the Khorgos–Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone in the east. Its project count has risen from 14 in 2022 to 69, while attracted investment increased from KZT 340 billion to KZT 652.8 billion. The ministry says 40 projects worth KZT 75 billion are under way and associated with 864 jobs. Nine new participants registered in the first half of 2026, with KZT 9.3 billion in investment and 230 jobs planned. Manufactured output in the same six-month period reached KZT 12.7 billion, up 74% from a year earlier.

Khorgos already has an inland dry port with annual capacity of 540,000 containers and a 25,000-square-metre Class A warehouse. Two major logistics projects remain at the design stage. By 2028, 28 projects valued at KZT 577.7 billion are planned, with about 2,800 jobs. The ministry highlighted a KZT 330 billion Kazakhstan–China International Industrial City park and a KZT 250 billion international passenger and cargo airport. In the south, fencing of the 100-hectare Central Asia International Centre for Industrial Cooperation is complete, while internal roads and engineering networks are being built. Internal utilities are 55% complete; remaining work is scheduled for December 2026.

Progress elsewhere varies. The Zhambyl Region Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex received special economic zone status in April 2026; 165 hectares were allocated and construction began on its first substation. In the west, part of the external utilities for the 281-hectare Eurasia Cross-Border Trade Center is complete. Projects in its industrial zone include asphalt concrete, tyre recycling, aerated concrete and a gas-turbine power plant. At the Caspian end, the Aktau International Container Hub received its first container train on 14 July. By the ministry’s reporting date it had handled 233 containers, or 444 TEUs. Plans to expand capacity and add facilities are future stages, distinct from these operating results.