During the first eight months of the Iranian calendar year (March 20–November 20), Iran imported $1.1 billion worth of non-oil goods from Russia, making Russia the fifth-largest source of imports. Both countries have been strengthening trade relations, emphasizing logistics, energy, and transit projects.Key Developments:Transit and Logistics:Russia and Iran have launched two major trade corridors: the Ulyanovsk-Astara rail link and the Volga-Caspian Sea route, reducing transit times from 21 to 7 days.The North-South Corridor is operational, with increasing transportation volumes.Financial Cooperation:The integration of Iran's Shetab and Russia's MIR payment systems began in late 2023. The first phase allows Iranian tourists to withdraw rubles using Shetab cards. Future phases aim to expand cross-border banking and card usage for both nations.A monetary agreement enables bilateral trade in local currencies, part of broader efforts to de-dollarize.High-Level Engagement:Frequent meetings between Iranian and Russian officials highlight commitments to maximizing bilateral relations. Key discussions have focused on trade, banking, agriculture, and energy.Economic Goals:The countries aim to increase annual trade to $10 billion by removing trade barriers and enhancing agricultural exchanges.Both nations plan to utilize Iran's transit potential to connect northern and southern markets, leveraging joint projects like the Rasht-Astara railway.Broader Cooperation:Collaboration extends to countering sanctions through regional initiatives like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with shared interests in energy, industry, and regional integration.Iran and Russia's expanding partnership reflects mutual efforts to boost trade, financial integration, and strategic connectivity, emphasizing resilience against external pressures. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times