Kazakhstan, Iran agree to boost North-South corridor capacity to 20 mln tons

June 16, 2026 at 10:29 PM1 min

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Kazakhstan and Iran agreed to accelerate development of the North-South transport corridor and port infrastructure during talks in Tehran on June 16. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin met Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadeq to discuss expanding bilateral trade and logistics ties. The two sides aim to increase corridor capacity to 20 million tons annually.

Trade Growth and Targets

Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Iran rose 26.4% in 2025 to $430.2 million, according to Zhumangarin. The two countries reaffirmed a goal of reaching $3 billion in mutual trade, leveraging the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union. The talks built on agreements made at the level of heads of state.

Corridor Expansion Plans

Freight volume on the North-South corridor increased 12% in 2025 to 3.5 million tons, with rail traffic surging 69%. Kazakhstan proposed a joint roadmap to modernize infrastructure and raise annual capacity to 20 million tons. Iran confirmed it has completed the process of allocating a land plot to Kazakhstan in the Shahid Rajaee port (Bandar Abbas).

Port Access and Caspian Logistics

Iran also offered Kazakhstan access to the Chabahar port, providing a gateway to South and Southeast Asian markets. In return, Kazakhstan is considering granting Iranian companies port facilities in Aktau and Kuryk on the Caspian Sea. The sides agreed to accelerate implementation of previously reached agreements.