Astrakhan Forum outlines development paths for North-South Corridor

The III Astrakhan International Forum ITC North-South – New Horizons has concluded in Astrakhan, bringing together more than 400 participants from Russia, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, the UAE, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and other states, both in person and online.

The main topic of discussion was the expansion of the North–South transport corridor as a key route for Russia’s access to the markets of the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia.

During the forum, a session titled "Implementation of new international projects with the participation of Russian regions and representatives of friendly countries" took place, where the Head of International Projects of TV BRICS, Tatyana Kocherova, delivered a report. In her speech, she emphasised the role of media cooperation in strengthening intergovernmental relations.

"TV BRICS is not only a modern system of international information exchange and media production. We initiate our own humanitarian projects and act as co-organiser of international and national events in BRICS+ countries. [...] We see enormous potential in deepening cooperation with Iran and are open to any initiatives that will help strengthen cultural, humanitarian and business ties both bilaterally and multilaterally," she added.

Forum participants noted the increase in freight transportation along the North–South corridor from 18 million tonnes in 2022 to 27 million tonnes in 2024. By 2030, the volume of transportation is expected to reach 46 million tonnes. The Astrakhan Region is ready to become a transport and logistics hub for exports and imports.

"A Presidential Decree of Russia has set the task of increasing by 2030 the volume of transportation along international transport corridors by at least 1.5 times compared with the 2021 level through improving global competitiveness. Today, it is safe to say that demand for freight transportation is growing," noted Acting Vice-Governor and Chairman of the Government of the Astrakhan Region, Ilya Volynsky.

As the Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Dmitry Birichevsky, points out, ITC North-South – New is a tool for ensuring economic security. The corridor is intended to become a system-forming element of the transport infrastructure of Greater Eurasia.

Following the results of the forum, a resolution with practical proposals for the development of the corridor will be prepared. The next event is scheduled for November 2026.

The International Transport Corridor North–South was established in 2000 with the participation of Russia, Iran and India. Today, it is a multimodal route linking the CIS countries with the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.

Photo: Astrakhan International Forum ITC North-South – New Horizons