According to Mehr News Agency, Gilan Oblast Governor Hadi Hagshenas said in a meeting with Igor Babushkin, head of Russia’s Astrakhan region, that Gilan Oblast wants to increase shipping traffic between the ports of the two countries.
Mr. Hagshenas also highlighted Iran and Russia’s long-standing maritime ties, highlighting the dramatic increase in shipping capacity in recent decades.
He added that such growth will definitely strengthen economic cooperation and commercial relations between Gilan and Astrakhan.
Presenting Gilan’s economic potential, the governor highlighted the province’s strengths in rice production, citrus and fishing, and said an information package detailing these capabilities would be provided to the Russian delegation.
Referring to the strategic Rasht-Astara rail link, Hagshenath said 162 kilometers of the line remained uncompleted.
He added that the implementation process has been significantly accelerated following follow-up by the presidents of Iran and Russia and agreements with the deputy prime ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan.
“We expect to see significant progress on most of the remaining routes by the end of the year,” he said.
The governor concluded by highlighting Iran’s role as the shortest and most cost-effective transportation corridor for Russian exports, noting that currently many Russian products move through the long route through the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
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