BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 9. Mainstreams of transport cooperation between Russia's Ulyanovsk region and Turkmenistan have been identified, the region's acting Minister of Economic Development Sergey Prozorov told TurkicWorld.
According to him, the region has become a key participant in bilateral trade cooperation on the instructions of Governor Alexey Russkikh.
He explained that special attention is given to the Middle Volga - Caspian - Persian Gulf logistics project, which is part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Prozorov noted that discussions are underway to set up the western and eastern railway corridors within the Middle Volga - Caspian - Persian Gulf route.
Besides, the creation of a new train block from Ulyanovsk to Ashgabat-Inche Burun/Serakhs is being actively worked on, which will significantly expedite the delivery of Russian goods to Turkmenistan and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, the official said.
"Agreements on the train launch include route approval, the development of a roadmap, and the confirmation of timelines for work synchronization, as well as the combination of the route using railway and sea terminals of the Turkmenbashi port. The regional export support center assists in promoting local goods to external markets," the acting minister pointed out.
He also mentioned that at the end of June this year, a business mission of Ulyanovsk companies to Turkmenistan took place, where negotiations were held with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, logistics companies, and distributors.
As a result of the visit, several important agreements were reached: four new contracts were signed for the supply of truck components worth over 10 million ruble (nearly $117,850) and an agreement to establish a dealership center for construction materials and food products from Ulyanovsk producers in Turkmenistan.
"Turkmenistan is one of the main economic partners of the Ulyanovsk region and one of the actively developing areas for expanding the export of Ulyanovsk goods. By the end of 2023, the export of the Ulyanovsk region to Turkmenistan increased by 9 percent. Regional producers already supply the country with electrical equipment, auto and aviation components, and construction materials," Prozorov added.
