DIGITAL LOGISTICS AT UNEC: SOLUTIONS FOR PRODUCT ACCESSIBILITY

In the city of Baku, members of the Amanzholov University research group, A.Zh. Baiguzhinova and L.M. Akhmetova, are conducting scientific research at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics within the framework of the IRN AP26101867 project “Enhancing the competitiveness of the dairy product subsystem of the agro-industrial complex of the region in the context of digital logistics.”

In modern economic conditions, rising prices for dairy products have a significant impact on the standard of living of the population. According to official statistics, in Kazakhstan in 2025, food prices increased by 13.5% year-on-year, while for certain types of dairy products the increase was about 7%. At the same time, the industry remains highly import-dependent: in 2024, dairy imports reached 443 million US dollars, and this trend continued in 2025.

Against this background, export indicators remain relatively low. According to preliminary data, in 2025 export volumes amounted to about 34.7 thousand tons worth 66.4 million US dollars. Experts note that a significant share of the cost of dairy products is formed by logistics and transaction costs, which in some cases are 2–3 times higher than in developed countries.

The project includes international research visits to countries that account for the main share of dairy imports to Kazakhstan, as well as key trading partners for exports. This makes it possible to study effective supply chain models and adapt them to national conditions.

The choice of Azerbaijan as a research site is due to its growing role in Kazakhstan’s foreign trade operations. The country is among the important destinations for dairy exports, particularly fermented products (yogurt, kefir, etc.), with supply volumes reaching about 2.2 thousand tons.

During their work in Baku, the research group conducted a scientific and methodological seminar, exchanged experience with faculty members of the “International Trade and Logistics” and “Economics” programs, and carried out a series of applied studies, including expert interviews and thematic discussions.

Additionally, research was conducted in the university’s scientific library, where modern approaches to the digitalization of logistics processes were studied. At the same time, field and marketing research were carried out to analyze supply chains and consumer behavior patterns.

As noted by A.Zh. Baiguzhinova, the key reserve for reducing dairy product prices lies in optimizing logistics processes. The use of digital solutions makes it possible to minimize costs at all stages of product movement — from producer to end consumer.

In turn, L.M. Akhmetova emphasized that the implementation of digital platforms ensures transparency of supply chains and facilitates the integration of small producers into the market, which directly contributes to improving product accessibility for the population.

Thus, the use of digital tools in logistics can significantly reduce logistics and transaction costs, lower the final cost of dairy products, and increase their accessibility. The research findings may serve as a basis for developing practical recommendations and ensuring the sustainable development of the dairy industry.