Kazakhstan businesses report problems in foreign seaports

The foreign ministry is monitoring the situation regarding the potential effects that anti-Russia sanctions may have on Kazakhstan businesses involved in international cargo shipping.

According to Kanat Kopbayev, the founder of Kusto Group, goods from Kazakhstan face obstacles while being shipped through international and European seaports. The ministry also said that it is aware of the situation.

«Our embassies and consulates have talked with the administration of all key ports in Europe: Zeebrugge, Antwerp, Muuga, Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja, etc. As far as we know there are no limitations for cargo shippers from Kazakhstan,» the ministry said.

However, delays in the shipping of Kazakhstan’s goods might be linked to limitations imposed on Russian companies as many logistic companies are closely connected because of the nature of modern supply chains.

«We can’t rule out that some Kazakhstan companies may face troubles while transporting goods on Russian ships international insurance of which has been called off,» the foreign ministry added.

The agency is ready to assist any cargo shippers from Kazakhstan if their goods are arrested. If it happens, businessmen should call KAZAKH INVEST by the following phone number:

+7 7172 620 620.

«To avoid negative consequences for Kazakhstan’s trade amid the current geopolitical conditions the foreign ministry of Kazakhstan and its representatives abroad have informed their foreign counterparts about the situation,» the statement said.

Earlier this week Kopbayev wrote an open letter to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to Kopbayev, the current situation is almost catastrophic as 90% of Kazakhstan’s goods have been transported via Russia.  At the same time, big international ports such as Antwerp, Piraeus, Rotterdam and Muuga have stopped working with cargo from Russia and Kazakhstan.