Azerbaijan and Russia cover prospects of container hub for Chinese cargo

17:56 - 6.05.2019


May 6, Fineko/abc.az. Oleg Belozerov, the general director and chairman of board of Russian Railways, has held a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during his working trip to Baku.

Russian Railways OJSC (RZD) reports that during the meeting the sides stressed the importance of further work on the construction of Resht–Astara railway line for creation of a direct rail link on main transport corridor North- South. Joint measures aimed at developing transport corridors in the North–South and West–East directions were discussed in the meeting with the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC chairman Javid Gurbanov.

"RZD head praised the potential of Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line, noting that the Russian side is ready to provide appropriate transport products and cargo base for its full load. In addition, there was a proposal to create a regular container service from China to Baku with the organization of a distribution hub in Azerbaijan," RZD informed.

Speaking about development of North–South corridor, Belozerov stated that RZD formed the main tariff and logistics parameters of transportation and is conducting work with Indian companies to draw cargo base. At the same time, construction of Resht–Astara railway line on the territory of Iran would allow to reach regular traffic volumes at the level of about 100,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent) per year.

The parties also underlined the importance to foster electronic interaction. According to Belozerov, already 87% of cargo in the communication between Russia and Azerbaijan is made in e-form (last year the indicator was 50%).

In his turn, Gurbanov pointed out that today RZD is the most important partner for ADY. Both the qualification of employees and the level of development of Russian Railways are a good example for Azerbaijani railway workers. He also expressed confidence in the further positive dynamics of transportation along international transport corridors and the successful implementation of joint projects.

Following the meeting, a decision was made to continue joint actions with the authorities to optimize the border and customs procedures, including consideration of the possibility of launching passenger train Makhachkala–Baku.

 

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