SCO Rail Cooperation: Iran Stresses Importance of Strengthened Partnerships
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Iran has reiterated the importance of strengthened rail cooperation among SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) member states, highlighting the country’s strategic geographical position as a bridge between East and West Asia. During the 5th meeting of SCO railway heads in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, Zakeri, the Iranian representative, stressed the need for enhanced partnerships in transit and logistics with SCO member states.
Boosting Freight Transportation Efficiency
Zakeri suggested organizing a trilateral meeting between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan to standardize tariffs and boost freight efficiency. This gathering aims to tackle current obstacles and uncover regional growth opportunities. Additionally, he proposed forming an expert working group to address border issues. The group would identify disconnected routes and develop a financial model for attracting investments. Furthermore, the SCO Rail Cooperation initiative could support these efforts. Lastly, the north-south corridor project exemplifies the potential for enhanced connectivity in the region. These collaborative efforts seek to strengthen transportation networks and foster economic development across the participating countries
Developing Bilateral and Multilateral Transportation Cooperation
Iran is committed to strengthening partnerships in transit and logistics with SCO member states. Zakeri emphasized the importance of developing both bilateral and multilateral transportation cooperation, particularly in enhancing east-west and north-south transit routes passing through Iran. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of facilitating logistics, increasing capacity, and optimizing conditions to transport goods between China, Russia, Central Asia, India, Pakistan, and Europe.
The North-South Intercontinental Corridor: A Key Project in Global Rail Transport
The North-South Intercontinental Corridor forms a crucial global rail transport project. It encompasses key rail crossings like the Southern Belt Pass and Almaty-Bandar Abbas route. Additionally, the corridor includes the Almaty-Tehran-Istanbul rail passage and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul link. Iran Railways actively improves international rail connections, particularly in the north-south corridor. This vital route connects China to Europe. Moreover, Iran and Russia engage in high-level talks to complete the Rasht-Astara railway line in northern Iran. The SCO Rail Cooperation initiative further enhances these efforts, strengthening regional transport networks.
In conclusion, Iran’s commitment to strengthened SCO rail cooperation is a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. By proposing trilateral meetings and expert working groups, Iran aims to standardize tariffs and improve freight transportation efficiency, ultimately benefiting SCO member states and the global rail transport industry. As the SCO region continues to grow, strengthened rail cooperation will play a vital role in shaping the future of regional transportation.
Source: Tehran Times