Iran and Kazakhstan are set to launch a Green Transit corridor, aiming to enhance trade and logistics. The head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), Samad Hassanzadeh, introduced the initiative at a seminar on Iran–Kazakhstan trade cooperation on Wednesday. He emphasized that the Green Transit corridor will include special customs discounts and faster transportation.
Hassanzadeh highlighted Kazakhstan’s importance in Eurasia, noting its GDP exceeds $288 billion. He described the country as a strategic partner for Iran in Central Asia. Over the past ten months, bilateral trade reached around $360 million. Iran exported $243 million worth of goods, while imports from Kazakhstan totaled $115 million. Despite this positive balance, the chairman stressed that trade remains below its full potential.
Hassanzadeh projected that removing trade barriers could raise the bilateral trade volume to $3 billion. He also underlined the importance of moving beyond commodity trade to joint investment projects. He suggested three major areas for collaboration: a joint logistics terminal in southern Iranian ports, shared facilities for processing grains, meat, and vegetable oils, and a joint industrial zone in Iran’s free trade areas. These projects could serve broader Eurasian markets effectively.
Focusing on each country’s strengths, Hassanzadeh pointed out that Kazakhstan is a major supplier of oil, iron concentrate, and base metals. Iran, on the other hand, has advanced capabilities in downstream petrochemicals, machinery, and technical expertise. He proposed forming a consortium to process Kazakh minerals in Iran, adding value before re-exporting them.
Despite opportunities, Hassanzadeh acknowledged challenges such as sanctions, banking restrictions, unreliable companies, and stiff regional competition. He noted practical solutions, including formal barter agreements, a shared financial platform within free trade zones, a company credit-rating system, and Iranian participation in long-term Kazakh infrastructure projects.
The Green Transit corridor reflects a strategic shift in Iran-Kazakhstan relations. Both countries aim to deepen trade, increase investment, and strengthen economic integration. Hassanzadeh concluded that coordinated efforts and innovative solutions could unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation, benefiting both nations in the long term.