Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 8 /Trend, N.Ismayilova/
Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region of Russia are planning this year to establish ferry connection between the ports of Baku and Olya, Astrakhan Region Governor Alexander Zhilkin said in Baku on Thursday at the presentation of economic opportunities of the region and Azerbaijan.
Baku and Astrakhan are planning to reach an agreement to resume direct maritime traffic with was active in the recent past, and to establish ferry service between the two largest ports in the Caspian Sea.
"There are intentions to create normal conditions for entry of ferries so that it would be beneficial for both sides. And then it would be advantageous to the business entities - it is a fact," said the governor.
The resumption of ferry service will enable to increase cargo transportation between Azerbaijan and Russia, reduce their costs and make full use of opportunities for tourism in both countries.
"The Transport Ministry of Russia has adopted a lower rate on our port at 0.5 percent for the Olya-Baku connection. The Transport Ministry of Azerbaijan carries out similar work to ensure that the work would be easier and cheaper to transport goods, since the tariffs that were in effect before were high enough," said Zhilkin.
"Next year we will reach a regular ferry line," he said.
