The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Rail transit of Iraqi petroleum products to Turkey and Afghanistan has begun through Iran’s western Kermanshah province, with an initial shipment of 50,000 tons, Iranian media reported.
The shipment marks the launch of a new rail transit route
through Kermanshah aimed at expanding regional trade and increasing the use of
rail transportation for the movement of goods.
Rostamzad, Kermanshah’s deputy governor for economic
affairs, said at a ceremony marking the launch that recent circumstances have
highlighted the importance of developing land and rail routes to maintain trade
and reduce reliance on maritime transportation.
A significant share of Iran’s imports and exports is
transported by sea, Rostamzad said, adding that land and rail routes can
provide alternative channels for trade and transit.
He said Kermanshah has significant potential to become a
regional hub for imports, exports and transit because of its geographic
location and infrastructure.
Kermanshah shares a border with Iraq and has six border
crossings with the country, providing what Rostamzad described as significant
capacity for expanding trade and transit.
He said the province’s border infrastructure should be
developed alongside its railway network to strengthen trade links with Iraq and
other regional markets.
Rostamzad cited several advantages of rail transportation,
including greater cargo safety, lower energy consumption, reduced
transportation costs, fewer road accidents and increased employment.
He described the 50,000-ton shipment as a major development
for Kermanshah’s rail transportation sector and said it was the first time a
contract had been concluded to transport such a volume of products through the
province’s rail network.
The shipment is destined for markets in Turkey and
Afghanistan, according to Iranian media reports.
