The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines has opened the first direct marine route between Iran and Russia, announced president of Iran-Russia Chamber of Commerce, Asadollah Asgaroladi.
Also, following negotiations with Taban Air, the Iranian carrier has agreed to operate direct flights between Rasht, the capital city of Iran's northern Gilan Province, and Astrakhan, in southern European Russia, in 30 days, he added.
Setting up new sea and air links with countries in the north and south of Iran is part of the government's agenda to bolster trade in non-oil commodities. To that end, the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines signed a memorandum of understanding to establish three new shipping lines in the Caspian Sea in June 2015. According to TPO, vessels to be used in these shipping lines have the capacity to move over 2,200 to 6,500 tons of cargo and are equipped with refrigerated containers.
The annual value of Iran and Russia trade amounts to $2 billion and is set to take a quantum leap in the current year (started March 21) if the countries press ahead with similar moves to facilitate bilateral commerce, the report read.
