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Roundtable on Development of International North–South Transport Corridor Held at SPIEF

A roundtable discussion on the development of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) was held at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024 as part of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Transport on 6 June. The expert discussion focused on the role of interregional and global transport and logistics corridors in the industry’s development and was attended by representatives of business and the public sector from BRICS countries.
Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Roman Starovoyt spoke of the important role transport connectivity played in deepening economic cooperation between the countries given how far apart some BRICS members were and the size of their territories and populations. “International transport corridors are essential for smooth logistics. Russia has consistently advocated through international organizations, mechanisms for integration, and bilateral cooperation for developing the efficiency of existing international transport corridors and adding new ones,” he said.
The Minister stressed that Russia was continuing to work systematically to improve the efficiency of transit routes to Asia and the Middle East among others. “President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has identified an increase in the volume of traffic along international transport corridors as priority development goals for the Russian Federation for the period until 2030 and 2036,” he said.
He also noted a significant increase in cargo traffic along the INSTC in 2023, with transshipment of export and import cargo at seaports increasing by 55%, railway transport by more than 13%, and cargo traffic at checkpoints on the border with Azerbaijan increasing 25%.
The most important work is focused on reaching agreements with the other countries involved. Memorandums of understanding on transport and transit were signed in 2022-2024 with Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Bahrain. “Work with Iran continues on the intergovernmental agreement for the construction of the Resht–Astara railway, which will increase railway freight traffic,” Roman Starovoyt said.
Multiple road maps have also been signed with the Republic of Kazakhstan for the joint development of border crossings, roads, and railway infrastructure. An agreement is being prepared with Azerbaijan for the development of transportation along the western part of the INSTC.
“In addition to putting the positive experience, we must also expand the geography of the transportation and synchronize our actions with our foreign colleagues to ensure the connectivity of our countries,” Roman Starovoyt said.
The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.