II ASTRAKHAN INTERNATIONAL FORUM

The International North-South Corridor Forum commenced in Astrakhan, Russia, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and international stakeholders to discuss the development and potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor (ITC). This critical corridor is poised to transform trade routes between Russia, Iran, and India, with strategic linkages reaching the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Forum Highlights The event began with a warm welcome from Astrakhan’s Governor, Babushkin Igor Yuryevich, who highlighted the region’s growing significance as a transit hub. Abdulatipov Ramazan Gadzhimuradovich, Chairman of the North-South ITC, and Seyed-Mohammad Abedi, the First Consul of Iran in Astrakhan, shared their visions for the corridor’s future, emphasizing the region’s importance in advancing Russia’s international trade relations.

Plenary Session
The morning session featured a discussion on emerging markets, moderated by Vadim Valerievich Ganin, Director of the CIS Economic Development Association, with co-moderation by Aleksandr Mikhailovich Sharov, Head of the RusIranExpo Group. Speakers discussed the needs of major markets like Iran, Russia and India with a special focus on Russia’s trade ties and the role of the Astrakhan region in bolstering the corridor’s infrastructure.

Key presentations included:
Dmitry Anatolyevich Birichevsky (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) outlined economic cooperation opportunities within the corridor.
– Mikhail Aleksandrovich Kabakov (Astrakhan’s Deputy Minister of Industry) spoke about Astrakhan’s pivotal role in facilitating ITC trade.
– **Vladislav Nikolaevich Shichanin** (Federal Veterinary Surveillance) emphasized the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements across the corridor to ensure smooth trade operations.
– Makar Andreevich German (Russian Trade Representative in UAE) discussed the corridor’s use for re-exports via Iran to the UAE, highlighting the port of Bandar Abbas as a potential hub.

Agreements and Investment
Following the plenary, the forum facilitated the signing of several strategic agreements, promoting investment in the Astrakhan region and ensuring streamlined processes for goods in transit. Session two showcased various projects within Astrakhan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), presented by Dmitry Borisovich Dubovik of the Caspian Integration Club and Aleksey Vladimirovich Molchanov from the Astrakhan Development Corporation.

Financial Transactions Amid Sanctions
The afternoon saw discussions on cross-border financial settlements under sanctions pressure. Moderated by financial experts, this session covered alternative payment methods and solutions for Russian businesses trading with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. Speakers from major Russian banks, including Sberbank and Promsvyazbank, shared insights on secure, sanction-compliant cross-border settlements.

Logistics and Infrastructure Expansion
The final sessions focused on logistics, including rail, sea, and multimodal transport. Anton Gennadievich Kravchenko of Russian Railways and Aliev Jamal Rasulovich from Makhachkala Sea Commercial Port detailed cargo handling strategies and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the corridor’s efficiency. Several participants presented logistics solutions and discussed plans to streamline customs and reduce transit costs.

Expanding into African Markets

Concluding the forum, leaders explored expansion opportunities in East and Southern Africa. With a population exceeding 700 million, Africa presents a vast market for Russian goods. Speakers, including Russia’s First Secretary in Tanzania, outlined Africa’s growing trade needs and proposed utilizing the corridor to establish new trade routes between Russia and Africa.

Looking Ahead
The North-South ITC is emerging as a vital artery for trade across Eurasia and beyond. With strong political and logistical backing, Astrakhan is set to become a cornerstone in Russia’s international trade network, supporting economic growth and cooperation across borders. As the corridor evolves, new partnerships and investments will likely accelerate regional development and strengthen Russia’s presence in global markets.