BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 10. Iran and Russia develop their relations in the area of transit and cargo transportation, and plan to take big steps in this direction, Deputy Chairman of Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) Jalil Eslami said, Trendreports citing Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.
Eslami noted that a document on transit and cargo transportation between the two countries was signed in the 2nd month of the current Iranian year (April 21 through May 21, 2022). According to the document, 10 million tons of Russian cargo will be transited to various countries via Iran during the current Iranian year (March 21, 2022 through March 20, 2023).
“Iran is a short-distance, safe and cost-effective route for Russia on cargo transportation. So, cargo transportation can be easily carried out within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC),” he added.
As for cargo transportation through the North-South Corridor, the official stressed that Iran's Imam Khomeini port has capacity to receive more than 60 million tons per year, and Shahid Rajaee port - more than 100 million tons per year.
The deputy chariman also pointed out that if Iran attaches importance to cargo transportation within the North-South Corridor, it should provide a package of services in all cargo transportation.
“On the other hand, Iran is currently investing in the Astrakhan port of Russia. Through this port, cargo transportation between the two countries will further increase,” Eslami said.
According to him, there is an opportunity to increase the annual cargo transportation and transit between Iran and Russia to 30 million tons.