Tehran, Iran, Aug.15
Trend:
Iran is waiting for Azerbaijan to introduce its contractor for the construction of Rasht – Astara railway, Iranian Deputy Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Khatibi told Trend.
"The starting stage of Rasht – Astara railway was recently visited by the head of Iran Planning and Budget organization," said Khatibi.
"We have identified the contractor for Iranian side, we have started the work from Iran's side and waiting for Azerbaijan to introduce its contractor," he said referring to the meeting of Iran Minister of Road and Urban Development with his Azerbaijani counterpart.
"We have provided technical documents in March to Azerbaijan, and waiting for introduction of the Azerbaijani company that is expected to join the project operation," he added.
"During Mohammad Bagher Nobakht's visit, he stressed the support of Iran Planning and Budget organization for this national project, that it's effect would be beyond the region. This railway is the last connection to complete the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and would have regional effect on Iran," he noted.
"The Azerbaijanis are interested in this project since the corridor would be profitable for them, as well as for Iran, and the INSTC would transit cargo from Delhi port in India to Helsinki in Finland, the same volume of cargo that goes through Iran would be transited from Azerbaijan. The connection between Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf is very useful for Azerbaijani side," he said.
Khatibi said that due to US sanctions, Iran's work in the project may be difficult.
"Azerbaijan wants to help us financially and join in on the construction," he said.
Meanwhile, Shahin Mustafayev Minister of Economic Development discussed the joint investment projects with his Iranian counterpart Farhad Dejpasand during his visit in Tehran.