BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Increasing number of transit routes in the Caspian Sea is one of the necessary steps to be taken in transit area, deputy chairman of the Iran-Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce Jalil Jalalifar told Trend.
The official noted that because transit of goods via the Caspian Sea can bring as much revenue as the sale of oil to the Caspian littoral countries.
Jalalifar added that despite the increase in transit of goods via the Caspian Sea this year, the increase is not considered significant, given the existing potential in the Caspian Sea.
"For example, the trade turnover between Russia and India is about 15 million tons per year. Focusing trade between the two countries through the Caspian Sea could further expand transit opportunities in the Caspian Sea," he said.
He also pointed out that Iran's Anzali Port in Gilan Province could receive 13.5 million tons of cargo a year, while other Iranian ports in the Caspian Sea operate at 30 percent below their capacity.
In particular, Jalalifar said that recently, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line Group (IRISL) signed a contract to buy three ships. He added that the IRISL Group is forced to buy used ships, because the cost of the new ship is more than 10 million dollars. If the ship is built on the basis of leasing rules, it will take at least 12-15 months.
---
Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur