Kazakhstan is looking to develop into a global air cargo hub as The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) concluded its event in Central Asia.

The event held on June 19-21 laid the path forward to support this goal, bringing together nearly 400 delegates from across the industry to discuss issues that affect the Central Asian air cargo market and give insight into how to develop Kazakhstan as a global air cargo hub.

Topics such as eCommerce, multimodal logistics, air cargo trends, innovation and digitalization, sustainability and industry regulations were addressed.

"They discussed the future of Kazakhstan as an air cargo hub and the need for efficient borders that facilitated cargo movements, including the growth of e-commerce," TIACA said in a statement.

It added that discussions were also made, noting Kazakhstan's unique location as "the only country that could provide effective rail/air links between China and Europe and how best to develop this opportunity."

"They also spoke about Kazakhstan developing its economy beyond oil and mineral-based extraction and how this could help establish a vibrant multi-tiered economy across the region," the organisation, representing all segments of the air freight supply chain, added.

TIACA noted that over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed supporting the promotion and growth of the Kazakhstan air cargo market.

The MoUs signed with the following companies within Kazakhstan include Aktau International Airport JSC, Aliya Moldagulova International Airport JSC, JSC "Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport", Sary-Arka Airport JSC, Oral International Airport LLP, SCAT Airlines JSC, Almaty International Airport, Turkistan International Airport, Shymkent International Airport, and the Civil Aviation Association of Kazakhstan.

"This event brought to light the important role that Kazakhstan has to play within the industry, and we are delighted to help promote its growth as an air cargo hub. We are pleased to see the success of these events continue as we develop our membership and reach into these regions. We thank our hosts for their strong support in making this event so successful," said Steven Polmans, chair of TIACA.

Catalin Radu, director general of the aviation administration of Kazakhstan, said there is a "strategic goal" to position the country as an air cargo hub due to its favourable geographic location, historical context (Silk Way) and available resources.

"Our collaboration with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), the number one global air cargo industry association, will address challenges and set the agenda for Kazakhstan's emergence as a regional hub," he added.

Glyn Hughes, director-general at TIACA, said the conference program included a strong presence of diverse industry experts who displayed key knowledge and experience that will help drive the region forward as an air cargo hub.

"We look forward to supporting Kazakhstan in the delivery of their vision for the future," he added.