According to Mehr reporter, Hadi Moghadamzadeh, the CEO of the Aras Free Zone Organization, today (Wednesday, April 30th) at a press conference at the International Expo Exhibition, highlighted the importance of interactions between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. He stated: The approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan government is focused on developing cooperation in various fields, particularly in the trade sector. Due to its geographical location and border with the Caucasus and Eurasian countries, there are significant potentials for expanding bilateral interactions.
He continued: The agreements made between the two countries, including the issue of Azerbaijan’s transit route to Nakhchivan, the railway line, and other provisions of the agreement, have created an appropriate platform for the development of cooperation in various areas. Establishing a joint free zone is one of the topics that can be proposed and implemented in this direction. This proposal can be offered by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and, if deemed appropriate, can be operationalized with the pursuit of the relevant governors and officials in the province.
The CEO of the Aras Free Zone, referring to the economic performance of the region in the past year, said: We had exports worth about 200 million dollars in this region, with exports from the Aras Free Zone to the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2024 reaching about 11 million dollars, and imports from this country were only 12 thousand dollars.
He said: The road infrastructure in this region has been suitably provided. Additionally, the Kalaleh to Jolfa connecting road is under construction. Our goal is to develop communication routes in line with the agreements between Iran and Azerbaijan.
Moghadam stated: Rail infrastructure also holds special importance. In previous agreements, the rail connection in the Kalaleh region and Siahrud zone is among the projects that, if realized, will establish links between the east-west and north-south corridors and will turn the Aras region into the regional logistics hub.
He noted in conclusion: The road connection from the Kalaleh region, with the construction of a bridge and terminal in that area, to the rail connection point in the Siahrud region, is about 50 to 60 kilometers away. Currently, the Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan connecting road project is under execution, which is part of the bilateral agreements.
News code: 6452279
Source: Mehr News Agency
