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Central Asia Moves Deeper Into China-Europe Freight Networks

1 day ago
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🚨 Market Signal


This week’s developments show Eurasian freight moving toward faster border processing, stronger cargo connectivity and more digital coordination. Alashankou has passed 6,000 China–Europe and China–Central Asia train movements, while the ADB’s US$400 million CAREC border programme targets infrastructure and customs bottlenecks across key regional crossings. At the same time, Astana is preparing for additional B747F freighter capacity from China, and Uzbekistan is advancing both customs digitalisation and broader international cargo connectivity through new interline partnerships.


In this edition, we explore how border modernisation, new freighter capacity and digital customs reforms are improving freight flows across China–Europe and Central Asian logistics networks.



Alashankou Passes 6,000 China–Europe and Central Asia Trains

China’s Alashankou railway port exceeded 6,000 China–Europe and China–Central Asia freight train movements in 2026, reaching the milestone 41 days earlier than last year.


  • The milestone train carried electromechanical equipment, new-energy components and consumer goods toward Małaszewicze, Poland.

  • Coordinated railway, customs and border procedures have reduced the port’s fastest freight-train clearance time to under four hours.

  • Alashankou now handles 129 routes connecting 21 countries.

  • Cargo moving through the gateway spans more than 200 product categories, including machinery, new-energy products and automotive parts.



ADB Launches $400 Million Programme for CAREC Borders

The Asian Development Bank launched a US$400 million BUILD financing facility to modernize road and rail border crossings across the CAREC region, with a focus on reducing delays and improving cross-border freight efficiency.


  • Funding will support digital border systems, inspection equipment and infrastructure upgrades at key crossings.

  • The programme also aims to improve harmonised customs and border procedures between participating CAREC countries.

  • The facility is designed to reduce crossing times and logistics costs across major Eurasian trade corridors.


Chinese Cargo Carrier Plans Four Weekly B747F Flights via Astana

China Central Longhao plans to begin regular cargo operations through Astana International Airport in September, adding further dedicated freighter capacity between China and Central Asia.


  • The planned service will operate four times per week. Flights will use Boeing 747-400F freighters.

  • The cooperation includes Astana’s cargo technical-stop programme and discussions on further freight operations.

  • Airport officials expect the service to broaden Astana’s cargo network between China, Central Asia and international markets.



Uzbekistan and WCO Agree New Customs Roadmap

Uzbekistan and the World Customs Organization agreed to prepare a new roadmap focused on customs digitalisation, harmonisation and trade facilitation, supporting faster and more predictable cross-border cargo processing.


  • 94% of exports and 87% of imports in Uzbekistan are already processed under simplified customs procedures.

  • Average customs declaration processing time has fallen to approximately 20 minutes.

  • The new roadmap will focus on digital customs systems, international standards and further simplification of trade procedures.


My Freighter Links Its Cargo Network with Oman Air

Uzbekistan-based My Freighter signed an interline agreement with Oman Air, giving Central Asian cargo access to additional international connections through Muscat.


  • My Freighter can use Oman Air’s network through its Muscat hub.

  • The partnership opens additional cargo options toward the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Asia.

  • The agreement complements My Freighter’s existing freighter network without requiring it to operate every onward sector directly.

  • The partnership adds another international distribution option for cargo originating in Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia.


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