Kazakhstan and China launch pilot with driverless freight trucks at border

Kazakhstan and China have launched a pilot project using autonomous freight trucks at the Bakhty-Pokitu crossing, aiming to speed up customs procedures, reduce transport costs, and modernise cross-border logistics under a new "Smart Customs" initiative.

Kazakhstan and China have launched a pilot initiative introducing autonomous freight trucks at a key land crossing, marking a significant step toward the digitalization of cross-border trade. The project, called "Smart Customs," is being rolled out at the Bakhty checkpoint on the Kazakh side and Pokitu on the Chinese side.

The initiative was announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Finance and aims to improve the speed, efficiency, and transparency of customs procedures. Under the new system, goods will be transported across the border using driverless trucks equipped with automated navigation and monitoring technologies. The system will enable freight to move continuously, with minimal human involvement.

The pilot project was formally agreed upon during a working meeting between Zhandos Duisembiyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee, and Zhi Xiangwei, Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of Tacheng City in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The two sides signed a cooperation agreement to coordinate efforts and share expertise in customs digitalization and logistics innovation.

A key component of the initiative is the implementation of a unified electronic customs declaration system recognized by both Kazakhstan and China. This system will allow all required documentation and cargo processing to be handled digitally, significantly reducing the time needed for customs clearance.

According to officials, the Smart Customs project is expected to boost annual cargo volume at the Bakhty-Pokitu crossing to as much as 10 million tons. It will also reduce customs processing times, cut transportation costs, and enhance the security and transparency of logistics operations.

The project is designed not only to optimize the movement of goods but also to ease pressure on existing transport infrastructure. Authorities expect it to support the development of logistics hubs and stimulate trade in agricultural exports such as grain, oilseeds, meat, and processed products.

Beyond the logistics improvements, the initiative is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic development. It is expected to attract new investment to the border region, create jobs, and contribute to the modernization of border infrastructure. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Finance emphasized that the project will strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic transit country in Central Asia and deepen trade integration with China.

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