The business relations between Russia and Iran are unbreakable.
Despite the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia, dozens of friendly countries immediately expressed their readiness to support the Russian Federation not only to continue cooperation but also to increase the pace based on mutual benefit. In his interview with RZD magazine at the TransRussia exhibition held in Moscow in April 2022, Mostafa Aghdam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Behineh Tarabar Azhour Transport and Logistics Company, responded as follows on how both countries can be beneficial to each other:
– How can your company help the Russian market under sanctions?
I immediately remind you that Iran has been under sanctions pressure for 40 years; but life does not end here. For the world, various sanctions are nothing new. Russia is our great friend, and we are always happy to help. For example, we can facilitate the shipment of goods to Russia from India and Africa through Iran, which is much faster and cheaper than alternative methods. Goods reach Russia from India in 20 days at a cost of about $4,000, while alternative methods take 40-45 days and cost $6,000 to $7,000.
– How is this achieved?
We have our own transport terminals and container fleet, and we transport goods by rail, sea, and road. We actively cooperate with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and other neighbors. Our experience and established work system allow us to deliver goods on time, and we can also work through the Oman route. Therefore, Russia should not worry about EU sanctions; the routes we propose are faster.
– What does your company supply to Russia?
We have been operating in Tehran since 2012 and transport products such as metals, ores, petrochemical liquids, etc. We directly export fruits and vegetables, especially watermelon, cucumber, tomato, cabbage, etc., from Iran to Russia. I think many people remember persimmons, halva, and other Iranian products from the Soviet era. The relations between the two countries have been established for a long time, and we can even talk about a specific culture. These are not just courtesies but realities. Therefore, no sanctions can affect the friendship between Russia and Iran.
– And what can Russia offer to Iran?
Many things, and it is not limited to grains, metals, and wood. Today, we can talk about modern technical products.
– What is the fate of the railway project from Iran through Armenia?
It is an excellent project, but it is not progressing. All negotiations still have a political aspect and nothing more. I think if Russia wants to implement this project, the transport corridor will definitely flourish. In this case, Iran will suffer less from Azerbaijan. For a long time, Azerbaijan has been holding our trucks at the border, and they are stopped at border stations for about 15 days. This is a reality that Russia can solve, as it has shown its ability by building the Crimean bridge.
Stepan Ratnikov