Japan to Invest $4.7 Million in Customs Modernization in Aktau and Launch Direct Flights to Almaty

Japan plans to support the installation of a fixed large-capacity X-ray scanner at Aktau port, a key hub on the Middle Corridor international transport route. The project will cost 719 million yen ($4.7 million USD). The equipment is expected to reduce cargo inspection time by approximately three times.

The initiatives were discussed at a conference in Tokyo on October 19, attended by approximately 100 representatives from Japanese government agencies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ROTOBO association, and logistics companies. The event was dedicated to attracting Japanese investment in the Middle Corridor and improving transport connectivity between Japan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Japan's State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Kei Takagi emphasized the strategic importance of the route for diversifying international transport and logistics networks. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Japan Erlan Baudarbekovich and Azerbaijan's Ambassador Farid Talibov presented their countries' transport strategies.

In parallel, the conference reviewed the launch of regular direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo's Narita International Airport by Air Astana. The first departure from Almaty is scheduled for November 30, with the return flight from Narita on December 1. The route is expected to operate twice weekly on Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of 7 hours 30 minutes.

Japanese companies have already conducted trial cargo shipments along the Middle Corridor to assess delivery timelines, transportation costs, and logistics service quality.