OREANDA-NEWS. July 29, 2014. A tunnel will be built during the construction of the highway "Western Europe - Western China" in the area between Shymkent and Taraz. It has been reported by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Mereke Pshembayev at a briefing in Central Communications Service under the President.

"There work at the border between Shymkent and Taraz is underway. In this area, we are planning to build a tunnel for the first time in Kazakhstan. Work is carried out by the Iranian company. The road sectionroundthe village Korday in the Zhambuyl Region will be completed this year," M.Pshembayev said.

The total length of the corridor "Western Europe - Western China" on the territory of Kazakhstan is 2,787 km. Of those 1079 km will be constructed with cement concrete pavement. Project completion is scheduled for 2015.

In addition, M. Pshembayevtold that Kazakhstan travel agencies will not give the market to the Russian competitors.

Answering a question about whether or not the Russian travel agencies will drive local companies out of the domestic market by dumping, he emphasized that "such a danger exists."

"But I think, today, we have enough of own good companies. Besides, I know, the National Chamber for Entrepreneurs is actively engaged in this issue. I think, we will not give up the market easily. Our local companies will fight for it. In addition, we have administrative levers," M. Pshembayev said.