BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 8. The development of
transit infrastructure could play a decisive role in increasing
trade between Iran and Russia.


This was announced by the press service of Iran’s Ministry of
Industry, Mining, and Trade, citing Deputy Minister Mohammad Sadegh
Mofatteh's remarks at a meeting with Russia’s Deputy Minister of
Economic Development in India.


“It is important to strengthen the two countries’ positions in
regional corridors. Improving the Rasht–Astara railway project and
accelerating its implementation are among the key priorities for
transportation and freight cooperation between the two countries,”
he said.


Mofatteh noted that Iran and Russia’s membership in BRICS, as
well as the implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran
and the Eurasian Economic Union, require a shift from traditional
trade toward sustainable cooperation, joint investments, and the
creation of industrial and commercial added value.


The deputy minister added that the two countries have
significant potential in various economic sectors. He proposed
developing a joint roadmap aimed at increasing exports of jointly
produced goods to the markets of BRICS countries, member states of
the Eurasian Economic Union, and other regional markets.


“The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran
and Russia provides a suitable framework for developing economic
cooperation between the two countries and can be used to strengthen
trade and industrial ties,” he noted.







Furthermore, Mofatteh noted that leveraging Russia’s export
capabilities to increase Iran’s share of the grain market is one of
the key areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, it is important to establish effective mechanisms
to ensure stable supplies of essential goods.


“It is important to streamline the delivery of essential goods
to Iran via the Caspian Sea, remove existing barriers to maritime
and land trade, and explore ways to reduce freight costs and
expenses related to Iranian vessels,” he said.


The deputy minister added that it is important to simplify
financial transactions between businesses in the two countries.
“The full integration of the Shetab and Mir payment systems could
be an important step toward reducing financial barriers to trade
between Iran and Russia.”


Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade
is on a visit to India in connection with a meeting of
representatives from the BRICS member countries.