Iran and Kazakhstan Ink Strategic Pact for New Logistics Hub at Shahid Rajaee Port

PMO News Portal –  this landmark agreement is a direct outcome of consecutive rounds of bilateral negotiations and recent agreements finalized during the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development’s official visit to Kazakhstan’s port infrastructures.

The contract was formally executed and signed by Hossein Abbasnejad, Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Hormozgan Province, and Amanmal Gazhavarov, Director General of the Trade Development Fund of Kazakhstan.

As one of the most critical joint initiatives between Tehran and Astana in transport, logistics, and commerce, the project aims to deepen economic cooperation, streamline transit operations, and elevate the performance of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The newly planned facility will serve as a centralized hub for the consolidation, storage, processing, distribution, and transit of Kazakh import, export, and transit commodities. By optimizing supply chain flows, reducing cargo transit times and operational costs, and boosting logistical efficiency, the center is poised to revolutionize economic ties between the two nations.

Key Strategic Benefits 

Access to Global Markets: Utilizing the capacity of Shahid Rajaee Port—Iran’s largest commercial port—grants Kazakh goods direct access to open seas and lucrative markets in the Persian Gulf, East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond.

Global Trade Link: The hub cements Iran’s role as the definitive bridge connecting Central Asian nations to the global trade network.

Economic Growth: In line with Iran’s maritime-oriented development policies, the project will increase bilateral trade volumes, spur transit growth through Iranian territory, generate transit revenues, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and foster value-added industrial activities in the port’s hinterland.

Geopolitical Advantage: Capitalizing on Iran’s strategic geopolitical position, the center will solidify the INSTC’s share in regional trade, reinforcing Iran as the shortest and most cost-effective maritime gateway for Central Asian and Eurasian nations.

Parallel to the physical development of the logistics center, both nations have committed to a broader agenda of maritime and transport modernization. This includes Enhancing port, maritime, and shipping cooperation; Streamlining customs formalities and border clearance; Implementing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for shipping and transport documents; and Facilitating seamless cargo transit and expanding joint investments in transport infrastructure.

The signing of this contract marks a new chapter in strategic cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan, transforming Shahid Rajaee Port into one of the most influential logistics hubs in the region.