Kazakhstan: PM Slams Border Checkpoint Reconstruction Delays, Orders Ministers to Take Action

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov sharply criticized the agencies responsible for border checkpoint reconstruction, accusing the State Revenue Committee (KGD) and the Ministry of Transport of missing deadlines and organizational chaos, Orda.kz reports.

The work concerns checkpoints along the external borders of the Eurasian Economic Union — with China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Of the nine facilities planned for 2025, four have already opened: Kaplanbek, Atameken, Qoljat, and Alakol. The remaining five are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Reconstruction of the Jibek Joly checkpoint is also underway and expected to finish in the first half of 2026.

Special attention will be given to building wide access roads, implementing electronic systems, and creating comfortable working conditions for all services.

However, Bektenov said the situation on the Russian and Kyrgyz borders is “much worse,” with progress almost at a standstill. He ordered that the heads of the State Revenue Committee and the Committee for Highways be held accountable, and instructed ministers to personally go on-site to sort out the issues.

The PM also ordered stricter personnel oversight at customs, technical upgrades, and stable internet at all checkpoints. The finance and transport ministers will now report on progress every week.

Bektenov’s tough remarks maintain the tone set by President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev. On May 14, during a Security Council meeting, Toqayev rebuked the transport sector over border congestion, stalled infrastructure projects, and lagging logistics. 

As a result, former transport minister Marat Karabayev received a formal reprimand, and the government was ordered to urgently restore order. Karabayev was ultimately dismissed.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov