Baku: Russia and Azerbaijan have announced plans for the joint production of sea-river tankers, a significant step in enhancing regional maritime capabilities. This collaboration was highlighted during the VTB ‘Russia Calling!’ Investment Forum by Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the venture aligns with Russia’s strategic priority of developing the International North-South Transport Corridor, a project involving over 100 initiatives to boost Russia’s transit potential and trade relations with the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Ocean region. The Russian government is committed to fully financing this corridor, which is considered one of the key infrastructure projects for the coming years.

Maxim Reshetnikov detailed a plan for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route’s development, focusing on modernizing Russian infrastructure, including the Makhachkala port, the Astrakhan SEZ, and the Volga-Caspian Canal. The minister also highlighted new projects with Caspian region partners, such as Azerbaijan’s Port of Alat and Kazakhstan’s ports of Aktau and Kuryk, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

The proposed joint production of sea-river tankers with Azerbaijan represents a large-scale, promising initiative. Reshetnikov invited foreign companies to participate actively in these joint efforts, underscoring the potential for international collaboration in the region.