Press center

10.10.2025

The Caspian Cluster of SEZs: New Opportunities for Russian-Iranian Cooperation

At the office of the Management Company of the Caspian Cluster, a meeting took place between Alexander Kim, Director General of SEZ Lotus JSC, and Ahmad Heydarian, the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Astrakhan. During the talks, the parties discussed directions and prospects for expanding cooperation between the special economic zones of the Astrakhan Region and free economic zones of Iran.

 According to the Government of the Astrakhan Region, the volume of cargo turnover between the Astrakhan Region and Iran grew by 50% at the end of last year: exports by 54%, imports by 37%. In the first half of 2025, exports of oils and fats increased fourfold, and imports of fruits and nuts increased by more than 30%.

 The construction of the first plant in Russia of the Iranian holding Golrang that will produce cleaning and washing products under well-known Iranian brands is being completed in the territory of Special Economic Zone Lotus.

 – We see enormous potential in developing cooperation with Iranian companies. Further strengthening of ties between the Astrakhan Region and Iran will allow us not only to expand trade and economic relations, which will certainly lead to an increase in cargo turnover along the INSTC, but also to create a new platform for technological exchange and production development in our region. Joint projects are already demonstrating mutual interest and willingness to develop economic ties. The Caspian Cluster is open to foreign investors and offers favorable conditions for project implementation, – said Alexander Kim.

During the meeting, the investment and logistic potential of the special economic zones of the Astrakhan Region was presented to the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This includes the construction of a cold-storage terminal for handling perishable goods, which is being implemented by Astra LLC, a tenant of the Port Special Economic Zone. Above all, the project is interesting because the company considers Iran among its main directions of goods supply. For example, an agreement has already been reached with the Iranian company Romak FLC (a logistics center and export terminal for agricultural products in Mazandaran Province) on mutual shipment of products. The Iranian party plans to supply fruits and vegetables to Russia, while from Astrakhan there are plans to export chickpeas, peas, lentils, beans, and sunflower seeds in the reverse direction. The volume of mutual deliveries will amount to 8 thousand tonnes per month in each direction.

 Those gathered also discussed the issue of improving transportation technologies within the development of the INSTC. Astra LLC plans to introduce an innovative solution for the Caspian basin – the creation of a roadstead transshipment complex at the roadstead of the Olya Seaport, which will allow for optimization of logistics costs, particularly avoiding “dead freight”.

 In addition, another tenant of the Port SEZ – PLC Caspiy LLC – and the largest Iranian foundation Mostazafan created a joint Russian-Iranian transport company in 2023 that will carry out transit of goods by road through the territory of Iran along the trans-Caspian route of the INSTC. This will ensure smooth cargo movement from the northern ports of Iran to the southern ones.

 There are also agreements with the largest Iranian foundation Mostazafan on joint efforts to ensure cargo transit through Iran and to simplify administrative barriers. Work has also been done on the possible creation of specialized sites and logistics centers both in the Astrakhan SEZs and the Anzali and Chabahar Free Economic Zones of Iran. Interaction has been established with Iran’s largest shipping company IRISL and partners from India.

 Ahmad Heydarian, after getting acquainted with the operations of the special economic zones, noted that the Astrakhan Region is rightfully considered the Caspian gateway of Russia.

 – I see great prospects in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation, especially between northern Iranian provinces and the Astrakhan Region. Special economic zones and industry are necessary for the further development of cooperation between our countries. The simplified tax procedures and incentives, as well as the infrastructure that the Astrakhan SEZs offer, will be of interest to Iranian investors. This especially concerns projects in shipbuilding and the oil and gas complex, – stated the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Astrakhan.