Kazakhstan plans to export agricultural products via Iranian ports

Kazakhstan and Iran are considering the creation of cargo delivery routes to the port of Amirabad via the Caspian Sea, which will allow domestic exporters to cross Iran in two-three days and then deliver their products to the Persian Gulf countries. The opening of a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates’ port, industrial and logistics operator was discussed during a meeting between Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Zhumangarin and the head of the leading ship management company in the Persian Gulf Davood Tafti. According to the ministry, Kazakh exporters will have access not only to the Iranian ports of Amirabad, Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khomeini, Chabahar, but also to the harbors of the UAE, India, Pakistan, the Far East and the east coast of Africa. It is planned to send cargo to the countries through the ports of Kuryk in the Mangystau region and Jebel-Ali in the UAE, which will be provided with all necessary infrastructure and equipment.

“The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran amounts to a little over $500 million. However, we can significantly boost this figure given a very large market. As for the UAE, it is Kazakhstan’s main trading partner in the Persian Gulf. In 2022, our mutual trade was just over $600 million, while Kazakhstan’s exports to the UAE approached $500 million. In the future, these volumes can be increased,” said Aibek Sagynayev, Deputy General Director of the Qaztrade Trade Policy Development Center.