In a meeting with Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice-President of Iran, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov highlighted the vital role of Iran as Kazakhstan's partner in the Persian Gulf. Last year, bilateral trade surged by almost 20% to $528mn, and the Central Asian country is eager to increase exports on 75 commodity positions worth nearly $250mn.
Alikhan Smailov expressed his confidence, stating, "We possess significant reserves in energy, transport, logistics, agriculture, and industry. Therefore, using our full economic potential, we can enhance mutual trade to $3bn."
According to him, the potential to expand supplies in agriculture is significant, with its share in mutual trade exceeding 70%, enabling the turnover of agro-industrial products to reach $1bn. Kazakhstan is ready to supply the Iranian market with flour, confectionery, pasta and meat products, vegetable oils, etc. The need for early vegetables and fruits in Kazakhstan is promising, with demand increasing during the off-season.
The development of international transport corridors requires the elimination of administrative and technical hurdles, upgrading roads and railways, and expanding maritime infrastructure logistics, he stated.
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is significant in this part, specifically Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway link.
The Iranian side called for boosting the potential of regional and international transport corridors to increase freight flows.
"I am sure that your visit will give impetus to the development of trade and economic relations of our countries. We need to reinvigorate the private sector so that companies become more involved in interaction. Therefore, we invite Kazakhstani companies to take an active part in developing our partnership," Mohammad Mokhber noted.
After the discussions, the parties are willing to create a road map to implement mutual agreements.
Alikhan Smailov arrived in Iran on 26 April.
Within the framework of the trade and economic mission, export contracts have already been inked for the supply to Iran of Kazakh fertilizers, oil, and fat products, the meat of the cattle, and the International Food and Agriculture Organization worth over $60mn.
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