The first 54 tons of canned fish products have been delivered from Iran to the transport and logistics hub in Astrakhan, marking a significant milestone for the North-South transport corridor. The Ministry of External Relations of the Astrakhan region announced that deliveries of shrimp from Iran and Dubai are also anticipated soon.
"In one of the terminals of the transport and logistics hub located in the area of Kutum station, we have accepted 54 tons of canned fish from Iran for the first time. The products were delivered by rail in two special railcars equipped with refrigeration units," the ministry's press release stated.
The shipment included canned tuna, which will soon be available in stores across Russian cities. Faik Akhmedbekov, Director of the Logistics Department, mentioned that a shrimp shipment from Iran and Dubai is also expected.
"We have handed over the veterinary terminal and now we can accept fish, meat, and dairy products. The first batch included canned fish. Some will be sent to Moscow, and some will remain in Astrakhan. Contracts have been signed, and more deliveries will follow," Akhmedbekov told TASS.
Previously, the transportation and logistics hub primarily received vegetables and fruits from countries such as Azerbaijan, Iran, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. In 2023, about 100,000 tons of cargo were handled. The hub is prepared to receive over 1 million tons of cargo per year for both export and import, with plans to increase volumes to 20 million tons by 2030 after modernization.
Astrakhan Oblast is a key transportation and logistics hub for the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC). The intergovernmental agreement to establish the North-South ITC was signed by Russia, India, and Iran in 2000. This project aims to attract cargo transit flows from India, Iran, and Persian Gulf countries through Russian territory to Europe, significantly reducing the distance, time, and cost compared to the sea route via the Suez Canal.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials