An effective trilateral agreement between Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia on international transport has contributed to a notable increase in freight volumes through the international North-South transport corridor.
As Day.Az reports,Javad Hedayati,Director General of the International Transport and Transit Department of the Iranian Road and Transport Service Association,said that during the period from March 20 to October 21,2024,525 thousand tons of goods were delivered to Iran through Astara customs within the framework of this corridor. This is 20% more than the same period last year.In seven months, 76 thousand trucks passed through Astara customs.
We remind you that in September 2022, a trilateral meeting of official representatives of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran was held in Baku, at which the Declaration on the growth of the international North-South transport corridor was signed. It is indeed critically important to note that this corridor was created within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement signed on september 12, 2000 between Russia, Iran and India.
The purpose of this agreement was to reduce the delivery time of goods from India to russia and the countries of Northern and Western Europe, reducing the transportation period from more than 6 weeks to 3 weeks through the North-South corridor. To connect Azerbaijani railways with the Iranian network, the Qazvin-Rasht railway (175 km) was put into operation in 2019, and the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway is planned in the future.
The North-South corridor includes three directions on the territory of Iran: eastern, connecting turkmenistan and the countries of Central Asia, middle, through the Caspian sea to Russia and other countries, and western, through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia to the countries of Eastern Europe.
What are the main benefits of using the North-South Transport Corridor for international freight traffic?
Interview: The growing Impact of the North-South Transport Corridor on International Freight Traffic
Editor,Time.news: Today, we have Javad Hedayati, the Director General of the International Transport and Transit Department of the Iranian Road and Transport Service Association, to discuss the recent developments in the North-South transport corridor. Welcome, Mr. Hedayati!
Javad hedayati: Thank you for having me. Its a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The trilateral agreement between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia has reportedly boosted freight volumes significantly. Can you elaborate on the specifics of this increase?
Hedayati: Absolutely.Since the trilateral agreement was signed during the official meeting in september 2022, we have seen a remarkable uptick in freight traffic. From March 20 to October 21,2024,around 525 thousand tons of goods were delivered to Iran through Astara customs,which marks a 20% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Additionally, we witnessed approximately 76 thousand trucks passing through Astara customs in those seven months.
Editor: That’s notable growth! What do you think are the driving factors behind this surge?
Hedayati: One of the primary factors is the efficiency that the North-South corridor offers in transport times. The corridor significantly reduces the delivery time of goods from India to Russia and Northern Europe, going from over six weeks to just three weeks. This efficiency makes it a highly attractive route for international freight, especially for businesses looking to streamline their supply chains.
Editor: The corridor connects various regions, including countries in Central Asia, Russia, and Eastern Europe. How does this connectivity enhance trade opportunities?
Hedayati: The North-South corridor truly serves as a vital link between multiple economic zones. The eastern route through Turkmenistan connects to Central Asia, the middle route crosses the Caspian Sea to Russia, and the western route through Azerbaijan leads to countries in Eastern Europe. This interconnectedness not only facilitates smoother trade but also opens doors for participating nations to expand their markets, enhancing economic growth across the region.
Editor: You mentioned plans for future developments, such as the Rasht-Astara railway. How notable are these projects for the corridor’s future?
Hedayati: The Rasht-Astara railway is crucial. The Qazvin-Rasht railway, which became operational in 2019, was a significant infrastructure step. Completing the Rasht-Astara segment will further strengthen the link between the Azerbaijani railway network and the Iranian system, allowing for increased cargo capacity and improved efficiency along the North-South corridor. Such developments will ensure we can sustain this growth and meet the rising demand for freight services.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to businesses looking to leverage the North-South corridor for their logistics and supply chain needs?
Hedayati: companies should start by understanding the time and cost advantages the North-South corridor offers. By factoring in these benefits into their logistics planning, businesses can optimize their delivery schedules and reduce overall transportation costs. Moreover, keeping abreast of the evolving infrastructure developments is vital. engaging with relevant transport authorities and staying informed about any new customs procedures will facilitate smoother operations.
editor: thank you, Mr. Hedayati. your insights into the North-South transport corridor and its implications for international freight traffic are invaluable.
Hedayati: Thank you for the opportunity to share this important details. I believe the continued growth of this corridor will play a pivotal role in regional trade,and I look forward to seeing its further growth.