President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Gholam Hossein Shafei said that Iran and Russia have to expand their transportation infrastructures along with enhancement of bilateral trade.
Shafei made the remarks during an Iran-Russia trade dialogue meeting held on the sidelines of Russia-Islamic World Forum 2023 in Kazan, Tatarstan.
He said that expert studies suggest that Iran will be one of the most important growing economies in the Middle East region.
Iran, as a significant OPEC member, will play a key role in meeting energy needs of the world, Shafei said.
Being on the route of North-South and East-West transit corridors has made the world's major commercial highways pass through Iran or near Iran, he added.
“Having water and land borders with 15 countries, Iran is regarded as a safe, short and cheap route providing access not only to the domestic market of Iran, but also to the 400-million market of the region.”
Shafei said that Iran and Russia are experiencing a new phase of relations as the annual trade between the two countries is estimated to grow to $40 billion in five years.