Kazakhstan and Iran are taking new steps to deepen economic and transport cooperation as both countries seek to expand trade flows and strengthen their positions along one of Eurasia’s most important logistics routes.
During a bilateral meeting, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, held talks with an Iranian delegation led by Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The discussions focused on implementing agreements reached by the presidents of both countries during the official visit of the President of Iran to Kazakhstan in December 2025.
A key topic of the meeting was the further development of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is becoming increasingly important for trade between Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and global markets.
The parties reviewed progress on expanding transport and logistics infrastructure, improving connectivity between Kazakhstan and Iranian ports, increasing cargo flows, and creating favorable conditions for international transit operations.
Special attention was given to the modernization and expansion of port infrastructure, which plays a critical role in supporting growing trade volumes and improving multimodal transport connections across the Caspian region. Both sides emphasized the need to enhance logistics capabilities to accommodate rising freight demand and facilitate more efficient movement of goods along regional trade routes.
The discussions also covered opportunities to increase bilateral trade and attract new investments into strategic infrastructure projects. Kazakhstan and Iran highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to develop transport networks that can support long-term economic growth and strengthen regional integration.
The North–South Transport Corridor remains one of the most significant logistics initiatives connecting Northern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran, India, and Gulf countries. For Kazakhstan, the corridor represents a strategic opportunity to expand its transit potential and reinforce its role as a key transportation hub linking East and West as well as North and South.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of agreements reached at the highest political level. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in attracting investors, improving coordination between relevant authorities, and advancing the development of transport and logistics infrastructure projects.
The renewed focus on transport connectivity reflects the growing importance of regional corridors in global supply chains and highlights the strategic role that Kazakhstan and Iran aim to play in facilitating international trade across Eurasia.
