WANA (July 10) – Exporting the first shipment from the Anzali Free Zone to Russia via rail is a significant milestone in developing economic relations between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union member countries.

 

This initiative, conducted in close cooperation with partner organizations such as the railway and Caspian Sea shipping lines, demonstrates Iran’s efforts to fulfill its developmental missions and enhance trade relations with the countries in the Caspian Sea region.

 

History and Significance of Anzali Free Zone

Anzali Free Zone is one of the important economic regions in northern Iran. It plays a crucial role in foreign trade and cargo transit. Its geographical location on the Caspian Sea coast and proximity to major markets in Russia and other Caspian Sea countries have made it an international trade hub.

 

Siyaehkarzadeh, the CEO of Anzali Free Zone, highlighted this significant event by stating, “In line with its mission to develop international relations between our country and the Eurasian Economic Union and Caspian Sea region countries, Anzali Free Zone, in cooperation with partners such as the railway and Caspian Sea shipping lines, immediately launched operational measures for combined rail-sea transportation in the Caspian port.”

WANA- Siahkarzade, the CEO of Anzali Free Zone

WANA- Siahkarzade, the CEO of Anzali Free Zone

Project Details and Execution

This first shipment, consisting of 1,500 tons of goods, was transported via the new Qazvin-Rasht-Anzali railway line to the Caspian port and shipped to its final destination in Russia. So far, five phases of this transit operation, each handling 1,500 tons, have been completed.

 

The capacity to increase this volume to 6,000 tons per month also exists.

 

Infrastructure Capacity and Development

Reports indicate that the Anzali Free Zone, in collaboration with various entities, including the railway and Caspian Sea shipping lines, has swiftly initiated operational measures for combined rail-sea transport.

 

The zone has already completed five transit phases, each handling 1,500 tons, and can potentially increase this volume to 6,000 tons monthly.

 

Establishment of a Permanent Shipping Line between Iran and Russia

One of the most significant recent developments in the Anzali Free Zone is establishing a permanent shipping line between Iran and Russia on the Caspian Sea. This new shipping line will significantly increase container transport capacity and create new opportunities for trade between the two countries.

 

Launching a new rail and sea route in the Anzali Free Zone as an efficient transit route can positively impact Iran’s local and national economy. This project, in addition to creating new job opportunities, can help reduce transportation costs and increase the speed of cargo transit.

WANA - Rail from Anzali Free Zone to Russia

WANA – Rail from Anzali Free Zone to Russia

Furthermore, increased trade interactions with Russia and other countries in the Caspian Sea region can develop Iran’s non-oil exports and reduce dependency on oil revenues.

 

Siyaehkarzadeh added, “Given the international competition in the field of transportation and transit, developing rail and sea infrastructure in Anzali Free Zone can enhance Iran’s position in the regional transit network and secure a larger share of regional and global markets.”

 

Ultimately, the first export shipment via rail from the Anzali Free Zone to Russia is a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union member countries.

 

With the continuation of this trend and the development of the necessary infrastructure, the Anzali Free Zone is expected to become a significant commercial and transit hub in the region, playing a vital role in Iran’s economic development.

 

By WANA writer: R. Hejazi